"Queer Edward II" is a new documentary that finally makes use of long-lost behind-the-scenes footage shot by cameraman Seamus McGarvey during the making of Derek Jarman's 1991 film "Edward II". The footage sat unedited in a cupboard for around 30 years, even after Jarman's death from AIDS-related illness shortly after the original film's release, before young British director Theo Rollason incorporated it into this fuller documentary portrait of Jarman and his collaborators. The result offers both nostalgic insight into early-1990s queer life and filmmaking in London and pointed, timely lessons about resisting homophobic authoritarianism.

The film blends McGarvey's archive material with vintage footage to depict Jarman's charm, his talented crew (including actors Steven Waddington, Andrew Tiernan and Tilda Swinton), and the chaotic realities of low-budget British filmmaking, such as producers personally covering extras' pay disputes. Edward II, an adaptation of Christopher Marlowe's play, was Jarman's most expensive film at the time at roughly £900,000. A standout episode captures activist group Outrage! attempting to out singer Cliff Richard on a neighbouring set, a stunt that nearly derailed production after tabloids got hold of the story, leaving production manager Sarah Swords to manage the fallout.