Finding out about the cast of Lilies Not For Me is kind of like trying to solve a puzzle where half the pieces are still in the box. You've probably seen the clips or heard the buzz. It’s that raw, emotionally heavy film that explores the intersections of faith, identity, and the medical "treatments" for homosexuality in the 1960s. Honestly, it’s a tough watch, but the performances are what keep people talking long after the credits roll.
The film is directed by Will Seefried. He’s a filmmaker who clearly has a very specific, almost haunting vision for this story. It isn't just a period piece. It feels personal. The movie follows a young man named René who undergoes a controversial surgical procedure intended to "cure" his desires. It’s heavy stuff. Because it’s an independent production, you aren't seeing A-list Marvel stars here. Instead, you're getting a group of dedicated actors who disappear into their roles.
Meet the Main Cast of Lilies Not For Me
The heavy lifting in this film falls on Fionn O'Shea. You might recognize him from Normal People or Date for Mad Mary. He plays René. O'Shea has this incredible ability to look both fragile and incredibly resilient at the same time. In this role, he has to convey a massive amount of internal conflict with very few words. It’s all in the eyes. If he didn't nail the vulnerability, the whole movie would probably fall apart. He’s the anchor.
Then there is Robert Aramayo. Fans of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will know him as Elrond, but he’s doing something completely different here. He plays a pivotal role that challenges René’s perspective. Aramayo has a certain intensity. He brings a grounded, earthy energy that balances out O'Shea's more ethereal presence. Their chemistry is basically the heartbeat of the film's second act.
The supporting cast includes some heavy hitters from the UK and Irish acting scenes. Louis Hofmann is in it too. If you’ve seen the Netflix series Dark, you know he’s a master of brooding, complex characters. His involvement alone usually signals that a project is going to be high-quality and probably a bit dark.
Why the Casting Choices Actually Matter
Most period dramas about the 1960s focus on the fashion or the music. This film is different. The cast of Lilies Not For Me had to handle the subject of "aversion therapy" and psychosurgery with a lot of grace. It’s a dark chapter in medical history.
✨ Don't miss: Do You Believe in Love: The Song That Almost Ended Huey Lewis and the News
- Jodhi May appears in the film, bringing her years of experience from projects like The Last of the Mohicans and The Witcher. She adds a layer of maternal or authoritative complexity—depending on the scene—that makes the world feel lived-in.
- Mark Stanley is another name to watch. He’s been in Game of Thrones and The Bay. He has a very "everyman" quality that makes the more horrific elements of the plot feel terrifyingly normal.
The casting director, Shaheen Baig, is known for finding actors who feel authentic to their environment. She worked on Peaky Blinders and Black Mirror. You can tell there was a conscious effort here to avoid "pretty" Hollywood faces in favor of actors who look like they actually belong in a 1960s hospital or a quiet English countryside. It makes the "lilies" metaphor feel much more grounded in reality.
The Director's Vision and the Ensemble
Will Seefried didn't just stumble into this. The film grew out of his short film Lilies, which also dealt with similar themes. When moving to a feature-length project, keeping that intimate feeling is hard. The ensemble works because they don't seem to be competing for screen time.
The film uses a non-linear structure. This means the actors have to play different emotional beats that don't always follow a straight line. One minute René is hopeful; the next, he’s post-surgery and struggling to find himself. O'Shea handles this transition beautifully. It’s a physical performance as much as an emotional one.
There is a specific scene involving a group of men in a recovery ward that stands out. It’s quiet. You see the collective trauma on their faces. It’s in these moments that the cast of Lilies Not For Me proves that you don't need a $100 million budget to make something that feels massive. The weight of the performances provides all the scale you need.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Film
Some people go into this thinking it’s a standard romance. It isn't. While there are elements of connection and love, it is primarily a character study about survival.
If you are looking for a happy-go-lucky "coming out" story, this isn't it. The film focuses on the "Lilies"—a term used within the context of the story—and what happens when people try to pluck or "fix" them. The actors had to dive into the psychological research of the era. They had to understand the genuine belief at the time that these surgeries were "helpful." That’s a scary headspace to inhabit.
Understanding the Production Background
The film was produced by crews who clearly cared about the historical accuracy of the medical procedures. This meant the actors often had to work in sterile, uncomfortable environments to capture the clinical coldness of the era.
- Filming Locations: Much of the mood is set by the damp, grey locations that mirror René's internal state.
- Wardrobe: It’s subtle. No over-the-top 60s kitsch. Just wool, cotton, and the occasional flash of color that represents hope.
- Sound Design: The performances are often underscored by silence, forcing the audience to focus on the actors' breathing and small gestures.
Actionable Ways to Support Indie Cinema Like This
If you’re moved by the performances of O'Shea, Aramayo, and the rest of the crew, there are a few things you can actually do. Independent films live or die by word of mouth.
Check the festival circuits. Lilies Not For Me often pops up at LGBTQ+ film festivals or indie showcases like Sundance or BFI Flare. Seeing it in a theater makes a difference. The silence in the room is part of the experience.
Follow the actors’ smaller projects. Fionn O'Shea and Robert Aramayo often pick "weird" or "difficult" scripts. Supporting their smaller work ensures that casting directors keep taking risks on unconventional stories.
💡 You might also like: Diego Klattenhoff Movies and TV Shows: Why He’s the Best Actor You Keep Forgetting You Know
Write a review. Honestly. Even a short blurb on Letterboxd or IMDb helps the algorithm show the film to more people. Mention the cast of Lilies Not For Me specifically. Highlight which performances felt the most "real" to you.
Final Thoughts on the Performance
At the end of the day, a movie like this works because the actors aren't afraid to look ugly or broken. They don't try to be heroes. They just try to be human. René’s journey is heartbreaking, but because the cast treats the material with such respect, it never feels like "misery porn." It feels like a witness to a history we shouldn't forget.
The best way to appreciate the work put in by this ensemble is to watch it with an open mind. Pay attention to the quiet moments. Look at the way the characters touch—or avoid touching—each other. That’s where the real story is told.
Next Steps for the Viewer:
- Search for the Original Short: Look up Will Seefried’s short film Lilies to see the stylistic roots of the feature.
- Research the History: Read up on the history of psychosurgery in the mid-20th century to understand the stakes the actors were portraying.
- Track the Release: Since this is an indie project, check streaming platforms like MUBI or Curzon Home Cinema, which often host high-quality independent dramas after their festival runs.