Chatroulette-inspired queer sci-fi film Chatlines lands UK cinema release
The film is co-directed by Eyre-Morgan and Neil Ely, who are well known for their collaborative work on Departures
By Aaron Sugg
Chatlines, a new queer sci-fi film inspired by the live video chat site Chatroulette, has landed a 2027 UK cinema release.
According to Deadline, the film follows two terminally ill queer men in 2027: Jordan, who is dying of cancer, and Danny, who believes it is 2005, as they connect through a video chat app.
The pair bond over shared fears and regrets as they face death, finding solace in their unlikely friendship.
Nico Mirallegro and Lloyd Eyre-Morgan lead the Chatlines cast
Chatlines is described as Black Mirror-style indie sci-fi with LGBTQ+ themes, and features a star-studded cast including Nico Mirallegro as Danny and Lloyd Eyre-Morgan as Jordan, who also co-directs.
Siobhan Finneran, Laura Aikman, Faye McKeever and What It Feels Like for a Girl actress Hannah Jones will co-star in supporting roles.
The film is co-directed by Eyre-Morgan and Neil Ely, who are well known for their collaborative work in the LGBTQ+ genre, including the 2025 film Departures. Chatlines will be produced by Paul Mortlock.
Chatlines will close Manchester Scene Festival 2026
The film will be screened in the UK for a second time at this year’s Manchester Scene Festival in August 2026, following it’s UK debut at the Manchester Film Festival in March.
Critics have commended it for its Doctor Who-like parallels, blending screenwriter Russell T Davies’s love of spiritual storytelling with sci-fi elements.
As gay hockey series Heated Rivalry continues to dominate the LGBTQ+ genre, Chatlines continues to honour the community by telling queer stories across different categories.