Theo Rollason's documentary "Queer Edward II" draws on previously unseen behind-the-scenes footage from Derek Jarman's 1991 film "Edward II" to paint an affectionate portrait of the pioneering queer filmmaker and gay rights activist. The footage, shot by future star cinematographer Seamus McGarvey and left undisturbed for around 30 years, offers a rare present-tense window into Jarman's warmth, wit and political commitment during a period of fierce conservative hostility towards gay rights in Britain.

Rollason largely avoids new interviews, instead weaving McGarvey's rushes together with archival talk-show clips, arts programmes and contemporary news reports, edited alongside Nicole Hálová with input from Joe Bini. The film draws striking parallels between the riot scene in "Edward II", staged using real activists from the group Outrage as extras, and actual protests against anti-gay legislation at the time, while also recounting a moment when activists including the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence disrupted a neighbouring recording session by Cliff Richard. The review notes Jarman, then living with HIV for over five years, remained largely unruffled by such incidents, though one aspect of his activism—support for outing gay celebrities—is flagged as dated by today's standards.