Movie Reviews -
Gay Themed

I have to start by saying that I absolutely LOVED this show. I knew that the series is about a closet gay teenage enlisting himself in the marines, but I had no other information on what to expect. I somehow assumed that it will be a dark show, but I was so wrong. IT is an insightful look at friendship, self-determination, courage and acceptance amid the challenges and demands of the United States Marines boot camp. As hilarious as it is devastating, the series is a unique coming-of-age story centered on an unlikely Marine recruit who is desperate to find himself. And I enjoyed every bot of it, so much so that I totally binge watched this Netflix series. The show is 8 episodes of around 40-45 minutes. Set in 1990, we meet gay teenager Cameron Cope, who is so lonely and bored. He has only one friend Ray who knows about Cameron's sexuality. Together they decide to enroll for the marines. He has no idea what to expect, which is clear by the way he has conversations with himself. When ...

Based on a novel by the same name, this TV series is a beautiful drama of two gay men in their 70s having hidden their identity all their life and finally coming to terms with it. Barry and Morris have been in love since their youth and emigrated from Antigua to London when they were younger. Now in their 70s, they remain committed lovers and partners in all ways except publicly. I had never heard of this series till the lead actor of this show recently won the BAFTA award for Best actor drama and that made me go and look for the show and boy am I glad or what! Even before I start writing more, I can say that this show is magnificent, beautiful, vibrant and very moving. The show is 8 episodes of 30 minutes each. Our lead character here is Barry, a charming 75-year-old Antiguan descent man and a successful businessman, husband, beloved father and grandfather. But he also has a secret. He has been lovers for over 50 years with his best friend Morris. They have been friends since their bo...

Let me start by saying this "I absolutely loved this film" Its clearly made with a lot of love, heart, emotion and understanding. Sure, being Indian myself and living in US, it connects with me deeply at a cultural level but even if that was not the case, the film succeeds in showing some raw universal emotions that a lot of folks will be able to connect to. This isn’t just a story about Indian families or arranged marriage it’s about love, identity, and the longing we all have to be seen and accepted. The film beautifully shows the struggles queer people face across cultures, and how family, love, and fear can all coexist in the same space. The film starts with an Indian wedding of Arundhati getting arranged marriage to a soon-to-be surgeon, a catch for any girl. The parent are overjoyed and everyone keeps posting to the brother Naveen, reminding him that he is next. He is gay, which his parents gingerly accept. However, it is his family’s culture not to discuss feelings, fe...

I am so glad that this show was not done after the second season, because as I said in my review, I Was not ready to let go off these characters. I was so happy to see the final season. Yes, this is indeed the final season, but what a finale!! This sucker punch of a show is as heartfelt and as funny as the previous two. From the very beginning, this tale of male bonding and sexual expedition – inspired by the comedian Jack Rooke’s university days – existed in the shadow of grief. And slowly the layers were being peeled about exploration, Grif and mental health and the journey continues with all our beloved characters back in the show.  We are back in the world of best friends Jack and Danny and the other two Corrin and Yemi finishing the friend circle. The first episode starts with Jack's causing Shannon winning a huge sum of money and they all go for a holiday in Greece. With comedy at the fore the episode is definitely funny focussing on evolving relationship of Danny and Corrin ...

Why don't we make more such films? Sweet and earnest, this is the kind of film that’s easy to wrap your arms around because it understands that coming of age is inherently traumatic. Sometimes you don't need plot twists or bog dramatic reveals. This film about a 14-year-old kid who falls for the boy next door, causing him to question his sexuality and somewhat rebel against his parents treasures in fragile thoughts and feelings, mostly internalized, and also shows a sense of hope that you feel like a comfy blanket thanks to people around you and your family. We all could use some positive reinforcement about love in our lives and this film does exactly that. Elias, a young 14 year old lives in a small countryside village. His family is mostly a prototypical household: his older brother is dating, his caring mother supports her father's musical profession and a very empathetic grandfather who works in a farm and with whom Elias likes to spend time. Elias sorta has a girlfrie...

OMG! I had no idea what this film was all about but I really really liked this film. Exploring the twisty, aching complexities of the men’s relationship and the demimonde they inhabit, this gritty yet very tender Brazilian drama focusing on survival of a gay teenager in the streets of São Paulo deserves a lot of accolades and merit. This mature story of queer love, friendship and more between an 18-year-old man and his 42-year-old father-figure-cum-lover really deserves to be seen by one and all.  After spending two years in a juvenile detention centre, Wellington, just turning 18 returns home only to find out that his alcoholic policeman father has left the city with this mother. With no place to go while searching for his mother, he is hanging out with his queer friends in an adult cinema where he meets 42 year old escort Ronaldo, who takes a liking to the younger man both personally and professionally. Acting in both a parental role and as a lover, he takes Wellington under his ...

This Australian coming of age series focuses on gay men and their need to be seen by everyone. Set in the remote town of Geraldton, during the time of the gay marriage vote in Australia; it centers around the feelings and emotions of guys with brutal honesty and integrity. These characters are mostly teen boys and as they form a tight-knit friendship, the boys find solace and support in one another, exploring their desires and identities in a world that often renders them invisible. With 10 episodes each of 30 minutes, I really enjoyed the show in more ways than one. We first meet Charlie, a rebel seemingly without a care who refuses to dye back his hair black is desperate to leave the town. He hasn't even told his best friend that he is gay but when a hookup with an older married man goes wrong, he announces his sexuality of Facebook live. We also see the geeky Zeke, the younger of the two siblings of an Italian family who is constantly bullied by the school jock Hammer. However h...

Almost everyone's favorite show, the third and final season of  Young Royals just finished with a bittersweet farewell, packed full of emotion, scandal, and unexpected twists. Although there are many painful goodbyes, it’s a refreshing change for a queer show to conclude on its own terms—no sudden cancellation or rushed conclusion. I think the edn was predictable but the show uses enough twists, sweet and tense moments and a finale which is both emotional , tense yet very much justified. Like previous season, this time also we had 6 epodes and I could not wait to see where Wille and Simon are headed in their relationship. The private school has to now deal with aftermath of Crown prince's speech the end of season two where he comes out as gay. Simon and Wille still have to reel with the aftermath of their leaked video. While we get moments of joy and fun between the two leads, there’s still drama or tension. Homophobia is rife as Simon contends with online abuse as journalists ...

And we are back in the world of Haruta and Maki. I was so excited when I saw the first episode came out. This was definitely a show that I have enjoyed watching multiple spin offs , not just within Japan but also the Thai version. Although I guess since they came in quick successions, somewhere the novelty had worn off. I am glad that this well deserved sequel came after a gap, where people like me had started to miss the characters. And man this show doesn't disappoint.. In fact, I will say that the show has grown with the characters and in many surpasses the original. This 9 episode show of 45 minutes each was so much fun to watch. Haurta and Maki have now been married for sometime and Maki is returning from his stint in Singapore. The couple will finally get to love together and experience each other's company. But with increased work pressure, how do they maintain. Enter the chief (remember him, the guy who was and still is madly in love with Haruta). Chief now runs a clean...

I loved season 1 of the British show Big Boys and I am so so happy that the makers came up with a follow up season of this because I could definitely use more of Jake and Danny and all the people around them. The season 1 handled two simultaneous coming-of-age stories. On the one hand, Jack, coming to terms with his life as a gay man, and on the other, Danny opening up about his experience of depression. This Channel 4 show continues from there on, with the shenanigans of these two with their friends Corrine and Yemi. The 4 friends are now looking for a flat to live together but eventually end up going back to the blue shed as their home. Jack is now out and young and proud and trying to get laid but is still struggling. Corrine has started dating another guy leaving Jack behind but he takes in everything in his stride. He is getting over his depression and with Jack's mom and her family accepting Danny into their own, he has come a long way. We do find out a lot more about Danny...

How did I not know about this beautiful gay German series and why is the snot being talked about all over? We, the audience gets to see lives of four beautiful, young group of gay friends trying to navigate life, searching for love and security in the age of Grindr. The show has 2 seasons so far with 6 episodes each. So watching this 12 episode gem is an easy breezy thing, especially when they are only like 25 minute each. The show combines great, diverse casting and light-hearted, yet serious, storylines and takes us on a journey that will leave you wanting to know more about these guys. I have to say at the onset that I loved this show (despite the fact that the version I saw had really bad subtitles) and again, why is this not being talked about? Vince, a gay black medical student and Levo are best friends and roommates, living their best queer lives, making the most of Berlin’s legendary nightlife. Neither man has ever had a long-term relationship and they are both happy that way. ...

This was such a wholesome film to watch. I enjoyed every single minute of this beautiful shot, exquisite, loving film with a ghastly air of menace throughout and a devastating conclusion. After seeing the film, when I started reading about it, this is when I realized that the film is  inspired by true events, the murder of two young boys in a Sicilian small town in the ’80s. This was a crime that changed forever the perception of homosexuality in Italy. Its emotional impact on public opinion was so deep and vast that it opened the way to the creation of the first association aimed at safeguarding homosexuals’ rights. Reading these statements suddenly made the impact of the already beautiful film even more. I couldn't believe what I was reading. So, now with even more vigor, I highly highly recommend and urge people to watch this beautiful love story of two teenagers. Set in early 80s in Sicily, we are slowly introduced to the two young boys. Gianni is bullied by the locals of his s...

Heartstopper Season 1 was a universal hit. You could not have read one bad review or heard from anyone who has seen the show not liking it. It was the kind of series that is easy to love, with sweetness exploding out of every scene without overwhelming you. So naturally, when Netflix greenly Season 2, expectations were naturally high and the same happened with me. I didn't know what to expect, but I had high expectations of this very very sweet teenage love story. And with eagerness and being a little late to the game by a few days, here I am, pouring my t thoughts down having just finished one of the most anticipated shows of the year. The second season also has 10 episodes and has all of our loved ones from the original season. The show continues from where it had left off in Season 1. Charlie and Nick are a couple and only their very close circle of friends know about it. This includes Charlie's best friend Tao and his trans best friend Elle. The center of the show is still ...

A hauntingly beautiful, heartwarming and touching film; this is exactly what I needed today. Within first 10 minutes I knew I am going to like this film, but I didn't know how much. But the time it's almost ending and the last 10-15 minutes just take the film to another level. It is hard to explain in words, why this movie works. The plot is not new, but it's the execution and most importantly two fantastic actors. It takes a certain kind of restraint from a filmmaker to tell a small story so tenderly and moving. Just a few days back I was wondering why we don't get to see some good old gay romance. This film may to be a typical happy ending romance that I wanted, but it was one of the most beautiful closure I have seen on a lost love. Stéphane, a celebrated author and openly gay, is visiting his hometown in countryside after almost 35 years. He has been invited by local council to celebrate his work and thank him on outing their small town on map. He is a bit uncomfort...

I have to say that I absolutely loved this slow burning film. I feel some sort of connection with middle eastern culture, people, food etc. The film is slow burning, but it shows the endless possibilities of love and how communication and love is important in every relationship. The film is moving , its sensitive, its humane, its slow; but films like these are your cup of tea (which I will gladly admit that its not for everyone), you will love the film , like I did. Set in a traditional Medina in Morocco, we meet Halim and Mina, a couple in probably 40s or 50s running a store. Halim is more than just a tailor. He works lovingly and painstakingly, hand-embroidering silks so exquisitely fine they are like wearing air, while his wife attends to customers and takes care of all operations. Halim, with his sad eyes and melodic, minor-key voice, loves his wife deeply, but the couple live with the secret of his homosexuality – something Mina somehow knows and has come to accept. With occasiona...

I am loving the fact on how some creators are listening to the audience feedback and have started incorporating things that are making these BL shows worth watching. Not many BL shows have captured impacts of mental health on a relationship so profoundly as this show does. The sophisticated narrative thoughtfully captures each protagonist's growth and struggles, while yarning of love and care and provide for one another. It also beautifully shows as different facets of friendships. This show is a perfect combination of romance (feels a lot more matured than it should), emotions, laughter, drama and everything in between. I do have some issues that prevented me from thinking of it as almost perfect, but at least we are making progress. At 10 episodes of 35 minutes each, I still very highly recommend this show. Our main protagonist here is Ji Hyun, a fresher in university who has just moved to the big city from countryside and is trying to fit in. He takes classes, works part time in...

It's been a while since I saw such a nice 'feel good' show. I mean, people need to learn how to make simple and elegant shows, within unnecessary plot twists or drama but still manage to hold audience attention. This simple love story was just 8 episodes of 15 minutes each, but thanks to a wonderful writing, and a crackling chemistry between the two leads, keeps you completely hooked. The plot is insanely simple. but the execution is the thing that matters. Lee Wan (Ian) is an illustrator with a blog and some online following. He is invited for an interview to a gaming company, where he meets Ki Tae (Eddy), who is interviewing him. Turns out Eddy is Lee Wan's high school crush. On a fateful graduation day of high school, Wan confessed his feelings and initiated a kiss. However, Ki Tae was taken by surprise and Wan was so embarrassed that he immediately ran away. The same day his family was already moving to a different city for personal reasons. It's now their first...

I have been hearing of this film for a very long time now. Touted as the first ever film from Pakistan to feature in Cannes festival, it also won the Queer Palme award and has been getting rave reviews almost eevrytime I have read anything about the film. Naturally my curiosity got the better out of me and I can now se why the film is so special. With a very sensitive story, vibrant visuals, a family dynamics that's easy to relate to; the film is a sublime tale of love, loss and coming out in its own unique way. There are no villains per se, except for the social expectations of individuals and how they are supposed to live. Using Haider, as its main protagonist, the film tries to show us the rigidities of our society, in this case gender and sexuality, and the quiet and painful ways in which they manifest. The story is about a joint family whose younger son is Haider. He is married to Mumtaz, who works in a beauty parlor while he stays home helping his elder brother's wife wit...