Acclaimed actor Timothy Markus McGraw returns to his youth theatre for a Q&A masterclass in writer-director Jack McLoughlin’s dark comedy thriller Q&A.
Liverpool’s filmmaking scene has recently solidified its status as a major production hub outside London. This resurgence is propelled by the city’s grand architectural heritage and gritty, authentic urban landscapes. Crucially, support from the Liverpool Film Office has injected significant investment into the local economy, fostering a fertile ground for homegrown talent.
Part of this “Scouse revolution” is writer and director Jack McLoughlin. For years, he has helmed his own projects while collaborating with some of Liverpool’s major players on high-profile productions. These include Boiling Point, where he worked alongside fellow locals director Philip Barantini and actor Stephen Graham, both of whom recently gained international acclaim with the drama Adolescence. McLoughlin’s previous film, the 2022 romantic drama Kate and Jake, garnered a four-star review from us, setting high expectations for his latest offering.
Q&A is best categorized as a black comedy thriller. While it tackles decidedly dark subject matter, it does so with moments that are genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. The film is also deeply tied to the regional film scene, with a cast drawn from Liverpool’s rising TV and film talent. Bobby Schofield, Shaun Fagan, and Kevin Harvey all feature prominently. Schofield delivered a standout performance as inmate Baz in the BAFTA-winning BBC drama Time, and also starred alongside Harvey and Fagan in the recent BBC crime hit This City is Ours. Q&A is further proof of Liverpool’s ability to produce high-quality, home-grown narratives that reflect its unique voice and talent.
The premise of Q&A is simple yet effective. Acclaimed actor Timothy Markus McGraw (played with brilliant pomposity by Matthew Mora Hegarty) returns to his hometown for a Q&A session with aspiring actors. He’s accompanied by Harold Sloane (Harvey), the casting director who discovered him, and the compere Daniel Labelle (Fagan). In the audience is Ricky Wilson (Schofield), an old drama classmate of McGraw’s. When Ricky steps up to ask his question, the tone shifts dramatically—and all hell, quite literally, breaks loose.
The tension in Q&A is palpable throughout, even within the confines of a single lecture theatre. McLoughlin, who also handled editing, demonstrates a fine understanding of pacing. The film is quick, punchy, and relentless, propelling the narrative forward without feeling rushed. Rapid editing ensures that despite being restricted to one room, the audience always senses motion and escalation. Every cut heightens the stakes, increases conflict, and amplifies the characters’ unraveling. Combined with McLoughlin’s direction, it creates a suffocating atmosphere that mirrors the film’s escalating chaos. Close-ups capture every strained expression, while wider shots emphasize the claustrophobia of the setting. The use of natural lighting further enhances the realism, grounding the increasingly bizarre events in a tangible, believable space.
But the film’s greatest triumph lies in its performances. Bobby Schofield delivers a wonderfully unhinged portrayal of Ricky—a performance that is both unsettling and darkly comedic. His descent into madness is captivating to witness. Matthew Mora Hegarty, a relative newcomer, holds his own remarkably well against the more seasoned cast. As the successful yet deeply flawed McGraw, Hegarty skilfully balances pomposity with vulnerability, ensuring the character remains compelling even in his most arrogant moments.
Q&A taps into a universal, often unspoken truth among creatives: the sting of unfulfilled ambition and the weight of past failures. It’s a bold, shocking, and ultimately thrilling ride—a testament to Jack McLoughlin’s growing prowess as a filmmaker and to the undeniable talent thriving in Liverpool’s cinematic landscape.
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