Rushed

Directed by Nadine O'Mahony

2025 (released in 2026)

Written and directed by Nadine O’Mahony, Rushed is both a love letter to Birmingham’s multiculturalism, and a grounded look at the frictions people of colour come up against every day.

Cherrelle Skeete plays Loretta, a half-Jamaican woman having a bad day. After meeting Ali (Azan Ahmed), a South Asian man who is hiding his own struggles, the pair get to know each other during a walk across the city. There’s a real chemistry between the two leads, that helps audiences overlook the rapid pace that their story has to move at with a runtime just under 15 minutes.

And O’Mahoney’s script manages to stay grounded. They talk about life, about the changing landscape, about the melting pot of music and culture and skill that is on display every day. There are no big declarations, just a genuine chance connection.

This is contrasted by the darker moments. The casual misogyny that Loretta experiences. The racially motivated assault that they witness. All could be cited as reasons to hideaway, to retreat, but these characters want to live their lives to the fullest. To be themselves fully, to plan, and work, and build something.

The title takes on two meanings as we reach the end. Their budding relationship rushes through at pace – an instant spark that is hard to ignore – but both characters are also being rushed. Circumstances beyond their control (and well within spoiler territory) are forcing them both to make big decisions; decisions neither feel entirely ready for.

Rushed is a gorgeous film, showcasing what a marvellous city Birmingham is, and how marvellous its inhabitants are as well. It’s a film that makes you wish you had just a little more time with them.

★★★½

3.5 / 5

Matthew Tilt

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