This indie film is a really powerful look at how a community can suffocate you and the hidden corners young people have to find just to be themselves in so many European towns, even with all the progress we've seen lately. The whole story plays out while the town is bracing for a massive, raging flood, and you just can't shake the feeling that some kind of intense reckoning or unavoidable doom is headed their way. To be honest, I didn't go in with super high expectations, but the way it’s put together makes it a seriously compelling watch. Plus, it’s not every day you get to see an LGBT-themed movie coming out of Croatia! The story follows Marko, a popular 18-year-old kid who seems to have it all—he’s got a girlfriend, he’s a competitive arm wrestler, and he’s well-liked at school. When he isn't in class, he’s usually hanging out with his brother, who has a disability, or helping his mom out in her greenhouse. Everything gets flipped upside down when a guy named Slaven ...
The film starts with Wilde's return from his trip to US. Soon he gets married to Constance and they have two sons in quick succession. While their second child is still an infant, the couple hosts a young Canadian named Robbie Ross who seduces Wilde and helps him come to terms with his homosexuality. And soon after Oscar meets Lord Alfred also known as Bosie, played by Jude Law, and is immediately drawn towards him. The two fall into a passionate and tempestuous relationship. Sadly, Bosie doesn't believe in monogamy and constantly engages in sexual activities with other boys including rent boys. During all this time, his friend Robbie is always by his side, but Wilde is madly in love with Bosie despite his erratic behavior and disrespect to Wilde. Bosie's father, the Marquess of Queensberry, objects to his son's relationship with Wilde and demeans the playwright and eventually publicly exposes his homosexuality. Wilde is tried for gross indecency and sent to prison for 2 years and hard labour. His wife leaves him and moves to Germany for their kids sake. Wilde is released from prison and goes straight into exile to continental Europe.
I think when it came out, this film would have been a honest depiction of Oscar Wilde's life. A man torn between love for family, something accepted by society vs love for a man, something that eventually leads him to prison. We see his charm and conviction when creating his plays or amusing friends, we also see his weaker side and why he was the cause of his own eventual arrest and imprisonment. In contrast, Bosie or Lord Alfred's character. is a bit volatile. Jude Law, my once upon a time favourite actor, who plays Bosie, plays his part almost to perfection. He could be needy and tender, but he could also be a first-class ass and manipulator with an explosive temper. And that makes you question why would Wilde go for someone like him and not for a more suited man like Robbie. I mean eventually he says in the court that its all about youth. The acting, direction and everything is quite commendable and deserves a viewing.
A solid biopic, with fine performances. Watching this has expanded my appreciation for Wilde as a writer and as a person. I just wish that this was not an almost 2 hour film. (7/10)
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