As young people begin to question inherited understanding and the stereotypes they’re inducted into, modern masculinity finds itself at a crossroads. Traveling to Poland, where he found matters of masculinity at the center of conversation, director Andy Madeleine captures a generation caught between hyper-masculine expectations, and harsh realities they have faced through their experience of it, in short film Icarus.

Evolving from a study of troubled relationships between boys and their fathers, Icarus grew to explore themes of dualism within definitions of masculinity. Engaging with the reflections of three young Polish men – among them, boxers and fighters – the 16mm film considers how a hard physical appearance can conceal sensitive, complex psychology – held against the cautionary allegory of Icarus’ flight towards the Sun.

“I was traveling to Poland, and wanted to shoot a project there. The result is a look into the lives of three Polish boys, with harsh exteriors, but sensitive and complicated interiors. Dualism, and the themes of multiple realities are very present.”

Set to the track of the same name, conceived by London artist Kenzie TTH and producer Leon Vynehall, Icarus offers a cinematic interpretation of lyrics surrounding men and their demons. Confronting toxic masculinity and its consequences through young men perceived through its glare, Madeleine explores the many ways masculinity can manifest, and traditional values that perpetuate problematic norms.