Queers (Mini Series) (UK)

Queers is a 2017 mini series that was aired on BBC to mark the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Sexual Offences Act 1967. The show features interviews with gay characters at the margins of the community. The series has a total of 8 episodes, each consisting of one monologue by an actor recounting their experience. Every episode features a different speaker in a different year, spanning most of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century. At 20 minutes each episode and some very popular and known names in Britain, I was really looking forward to this one.

The Man On The Platform set in 1917 - a young man returning from the trenches of the First World War recollects a love that dared not speak its name.

A Grand Day Out in 1994 - 17-year-old Andrew comes to London for the first time - with unexpected results.

More Anger in 1987 - with Aids hitting the headlines a promising new part looks like a game-changer for Phil.

Missing Alice in 1957 - Alice and her gay husband share a secret, but with the publication of the Wolfenden Report in 1957 it may not need to be a secret anymore.

I Miss The War in 1967 - Maybe the sexual Offenses act won't revolutionize everything as far as Jackie is concerned.

Safest Spot In Town in 1941 - As the Blitz hits London, Fredrick is grateful that he survived in a very unlikely place of refuge.

The Perfect Gentleman in 1929 - Trans Bobby is a swaggering man about town. But Bobby has a secret. Can it survive when it really matters?

Something Borrowed in 2016 - Steve, a groom-to-be, anxiously prepares his wedding speech. But now the big day is here, what has been won and what has been lost?

Across the eight episodes are eight very recognizable actors, many of whom are known for their queer filmography and all of whom do great work here. Each story narrows in on different gay lives over a century in Britain but mostly focuses on white, gay male experiences. While it shows queer people have existed throughout history in various professions and social statuses, it could have shown more with a diverse cast. Still, each episode poignantly puts a face to historical injustices. The series connects these characters separated by decades, showing community, love and light can be forged in the darkest of times. My favorites were surprisingly the two episodes by two female actors. Something about their narrative style, that held my attention. 

As much as the show is supposed to be poignant and meaningful with some of the greatest actors assembled, I found myself struggling to get connected with the stories barring just a couple. Given that the show’s format is single-person monologues, the quality of acting is its most crucial element and for most part is nailed but something, personally fro me was missing. Maybe the lack of script or dialogues. I understand its more important to see it from a historical point of view and where we were and where we are and in that regard it is an important piece of work, but looking from an entertainment point of view, I found something amiss. (4.5/10)