US gay newspaper, the Washington Blade's annual round-up highlights a selection of notable films that resonate with queer experiences, featuring a mix of fiction and innovative storytelling. In this year’s list, the focus remains on smaller films that may have gone unnoticed.
Kicking off the list at number ten is Cora Bora, directed by Hannah Pearl Utt. This comedy revolves around a bisexual musician, portrayed by Meg Stalter, who returns to Portland in search of reconciliation with a long-lost girlfriend, after experiencing a lack of success in Los Angeles.
At number nine, Big Boys, directed by Corey Sherman, tackles the complexities of emerging sexuality through a bittersweet coming-of-age lens. The film follows a plus-size teen, played by Isaac Krasner, who finds himself romantically attracted to his female cousin's new boyfriend during a camping trip, thereby navigating the uncomfortable yet relatable journey of adolescence.
National Anthem, occupying the eighth position, captures the life of a young day labourer, played by Charlie Plummer, who takes employment at a ranch run by queer rodeo performers. The film, directed by Luke Gilford, is a celebration of acceptance and belonging, featuring the captivating Eve Lindley as a trans character who elicits deep-seated emotions from the protagonist, presenting a narrative imbued with warmth and understanding.
In the seventh spot, Love Lies Bleeding, directed by Rose Glass, delves into the darker aspects of love and crime. Starring Kristen Stewart as a small-town crime boss's estranged daughter, the film weaves a vibrant narrative filled with neo-noir aesthetics. It vividly explores the complexities of relationships under the threatening shadow of violence, keeping viewers at the edge of their seats.
Problemista, directed by Julio Torres, claimed the sixth position on the list. The film follows a Salvadoran immigrant aspiring to become a toy designer, forging an unexpected friendship with an eccentric art-world persona portrayed by Tilda Swinton. This intricately woven tale reflects on mentorship and self-discovery against the backdrop of modern American complexities.
Coming in at fifth, Femme is a revenge thriller set in London. Directed by Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, it follows a drag queen navigating a turbulent relationship with one of his attackers. With themes surrounding identity and revenge, the film provides a potent commentary on empathy and the complexities of human interaction in a malevolent world.
The ensemble piece Housekeeping for Beginners from North Macedonia secures its place at number four. Directed by Goran Stolevski, this film examines the meaning of family through the lens of a lesbian woman who adopts her terminally ill partner's children. The narrative presents a nuanced exploration of resilience amid societal prejudices, particularly within the Romani community.
I Saw the TV Glow, directed by Jane Schoenbrun, takes the third spot and brings a surreal perspective to horror. The plot revolves around a sensitive teenager forming a deep connection with an older lesbian through a peculiar television show, ultimately leading to unexpected, life-altering consequences.
Topping the list is Queer, a lush adaptation by Luca Guadagnino of William S. Burroughs’s novella. Set in the backdrop of 1950s Mexico City, it tells the story of an expatriate portrayed by Daniel Craig who falls in love with a younger man. This film has been described as both an artistic triumph and a deep exploration of intimacy, signalling Guadagnino’s powerful cinematic vision.
Source: Noah Wire Services