Krista Posted February 5 Posted February 5 (edited) On 2/4/2026 at 8:22 PM, Zombie said: personally I’m bored with the coming-out trope, the well-worn cliche of ‘gay films’ - BM seemed dated at the time and I’d no wish to watch it then or now. Sure, there’s still a need in some cultures, perhaps giving wider audience insight into those cultures, but in Western cultures they surely had their day a while back? what’s great is seeing films now that feature gay themes and characters and where being gay is relevant to the story, but not the focus I wouldn't go that far, there are still a lot of stigmas that makes coming out rather relatable here. In film, book, or entertainment though, like I said the formulas tend to change. It feels heavily weighted in Coming of Age, and Coming out at the moment. There are likely elements of both in most gay or sexuality based stories/films/shows. Even in Heated Rivalry, they're both closeted, in the main storyline. There will always be factors at play for certain people to be closeted outside of their personal circles. Maybe we've shifted away from that slightly. But speaking entertainment, yes the formula right now seems to be this coming of age or coming out sort of predictable formula. We're starting to see it shift from that to... "we don't care about effin' labels..." at all, and sexuality is a lot more fluid. The negative being that we're seeing a lot more sex-driven or toxicity in relationships in film/shows. Like Matty said earlier, it seems like no one can function enough to build a healthy relationship. Some films go as far as making healthy relationships boring, there's a lot of films and shows coming out and being made in which established relationships become stagnant. Wanting to have 'open' relationships. Adding a third. Or outright cheating being so intertwined with sexuality, that it sort of blurs into one mess. Not saying that doesn't happen, it often does... but for that to be the shift, then it can become a bit unrelatable. Edited February 6 by Krista 2
W_L Posted February 5 Posted February 5 (edited) My two cents on the shift from Brokeback Mountain to Heated Rivalry is that they both represented or represent transgressive fiction. Quote Transgressive fiction is defined as a genre of literature that focuses on characters who feel confined by societal norms and expectations, breaking free through, illicit, or taboo, and anti-social behavior. Once upon a time, homosexuality was taboo and even illicit in the western world (remember the days of Sodomy laws), but things have changed over time. First, our very existence stopped being demonized, then legally, the activity that defines us stopped be criminalized, and finally, for those lucky enough to find a good partner, our committments to one another became equal to others legally. Gay fiction is no longer the same kind of transgressive fiction in the same way as they were 50 years ago. It's gone from forbidden subject to unknown curiosity. I agree with @Krista , I wish there was more everyday struggles gay fiction in the spotlight. I think that's what is needed now, like gay dads going through the process of surrogacy or adoption versus straight counterparts, gay professionals bringing boyfriend/partner to events, or other modern issues. For instance, the odds of a scammer stealing money or lying about international laws while trying to go through the surrogacy process is incredibly high in our community, but no one seems to highlight this in fiction. Or, the notorious "Catfishers" who lead people on with promises of romance online, while extracting personal information to steal identity or cause other types of harm. There's a lot to explore in everyday conflicts and struggles if some LGBTq+ producer or scriptwriter is willing to explore. Edited February 5 by W_L 3
Popular Post Zombie Posted February 5 Author Popular Post Posted February 5 16 hours ago, Krista said: it sort of blurs into one mess I think “messy queer” is my kind of cinema - like Sebastian (figuratively - above) and God’s Own Country (literally🤣) 1 2 3
W_L Posted February 6 Posted February 6 Watching a 2024 miniseries, Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, it's not bad. I saw it was co-created by Ryan Murphy and directed by LGBT legend Gus van Sant, so I gave it a try. Set in 1960-80s New York, powerful socialite women, scandal, and a very messy gay author with a lot of inner demons. Truman Capote is a gay icon and one of the best cross-genre writers, but he had a lot of issues as a human being. 1
William King Posted February 6 Posted February 6 11 hours ago, Zombie said: I think “messy queer” is my kind of cinema https://www.imdb.com/video/vi1756954905/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk Beautiful Thing, 1996, 1h 30min, R (restricted), Comedy, Drama, Romance. Prime Video (free with subscription). Jamie is a shy teenager, often bullied at school. His neighbour Ste has a rough time at home, being beaten by his father and brother. These issues bring them together and they find that what they feel for each other is more than friendship. 4
Popular Post Zombie Posted February 6 Author Popular Post Posted February 6 (edited) 2 hours ago, William King said: https://www.imdb.com/video/vi1756954905/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk Beautiful Thing, 1996, 1h 30min, R (restricted), Comedy, Drama, Romance. Prime Video (free with subscription). Jamie is a shy teenager, often bullied at school. His neighbour Ste has a rough time at home, being beaten by his father and brother. These issues bring them together and they find that what they feel for each other is more than friendship. I’ve watched it several times on Channel 4 (who produced and distributed it) and the ending always lifts the spirits Interestingly this was an adaptation of a West End stage play by the original (gay) playwright (Jonathan Harvey) for C4 who made it as a TV movie, but it was so well received they then released it theatrically and it went on to garner several international film awards pretty sure I’ll watch it again next time it’s on! Edited February 6 by Zombie 4 3
Page Scrawler Posted February 7 Posted February 7 (edited) 😮 Damn. Dylan Sprouse should wear dresses in more of his roles. Edited February 7 by Page Scrawler 1 1
Ron Posted February 13 Posted February 13 (edited) Odie Henderson the Boston Globe film critic writes this bold-face headline "In 'Pillion,' a shy bloke's heart belongs to daddy". He gave the film a three-and-a-half star rating where four stars would be the top rate. Not bad for what is described as a 'Dom Com' movie. The trailer may be too risqué for Google to show here. When in doubt don't share. Edited February 13 by Ron 1 1 1
W_L Posted February 13 Posted February 13 5 hours ago, Ron said: Odie Henderson the Boston Globe film critic writes this bold-face headline "In 'Pillion,' a shy bloke's heart belongs to daddy". He gave the film a three-and-a-half star rating where four stars would be the top rate. Not bad for what is described as a 'Dom Com' movie. The trailer may be too risqué for Google to show here. When in doubt don't share. The plot seems like a change of pace with a different kind of gay main character into the BDSM "sub"-culture. Thanks for the rec! I've read Nora Phoenix and Susan Hawke MM novels. They're big on BDSM stories, along with various other kinds of dynamics beyond just Dom/sub, which is getting more mainstream in recent decades. More exotic couple exist like the Daddy/little dynamic which I haven't seen many films tackle (a shame really, since the psychological need for someone to regress into a child-like persona, while trusting in their partner to help them during an episode is sweet care rather than sexually charged in other versions of a Daddy role for a gay couple.) 1 1
Ron Posted February 14 Posted February 14 (edited) 32 minutes ago, W_L said: More exotic couple exist like the Daddy/little dynamic which I haven't seen many films tackle (a shame really, since the psychological need for someone to regress into a child-like persona, while trusting in their partner to help them during an episode is sweet care rather than sexually charged in other versions of a Daddy role for a gay couple.) Now, now, now you're reaching deep down into esoteric territory. (Say 'esoteric territory' five times - real fast. ) My thought: Even though it is/could-be a thing ... but speaking for myself, I don't need/want to see it happening in real-time, time-lapsed, or the very much dreaded slow-motion viewing option. Edit: After much hemming-and-hawing and deep thought I decided that '... is/could-be ... ' was a better solution than '... is/could be ... ,' but I am still on the fence over this. Second Edit: Now this post is not as humorous as I wanted this post to be. Damn it! Edited February 14 by Ron 4
William King Posted February 14 Posted February 14 Pillion got great reviews on Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus A remarkable directorial debut by Harry Lighton, Pillion is an unconventional romance that soars thanks to its nonjudgmental perspective and knockout performances. Read Critics Reviews Fresh audience score. Audience Says An unfiltered, empathetic look at self-discovery, love, and desire, Pillion captures its themes with cinematic beauty, and powerful performances – all while never refusing to patronize its audience. Read Audience Reviews 4
W_L Posted February 14 Posted February 14 13 hours ago, Ron said: Now, now, now you're reaching deep down into esoteric territory. (Say 'esoteric territory' five times - real fast. ) My thought: Even though it is/could-be a thing ... but speaking for myself, I don't need/want to see it happening in real-time, time-lapsed, or the very much dreaded slow-motion viewing option. Edit: After much hemming-and-hawing and deep thought I decided that '... is/could-be ... ' was a better solution than '... is/could be ... ,' but I am still on the fence over this. Second Edit: Now this post is not as humorous as I wanted this post to be. Damn it! Don't worry sweetie, some boys like cider and other boys like apple juice Btw, going to see Pillion at Kendall Square (Cambridge, MA) later, the trailer and story hooked me. Love the concept of a gay sub personal journey and discovery. 2
William King Posted February 14 Posted February 14 (edited) 16 hours ago, W_L said: Don't worry sweetie, some boys like cider and other boys like apple juice Btw, going to see Pillion at Kendall Square (Cambridge, MA) later, the trailer and story hooked me. Love the concept of a gay sub personal journey and discovery. And some boys like scrumpy (cider) 🤪 I think Pillion is on streaming here sometime next month, so I guess I'll watch it then. Let us know what you thought after seeing it. Further info: here (France) the series, two episodes, is on HBO Max, a subscription service not many people have. It's new and costs. Rumour has it the HBO may be merged with one of the mainstream services. Wait and see I guess, but I'm not paying for another streaming provider! Edited February 15 by William King Further info. 3
Cane23 Posted March 3 Posted March 3 I've just seen the short film - A Friend of Dorothy, that was nominated for an Academy Award. I hadn’t watched it before, but it was worth every second of my time. It’s beautiful - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 1 2 1
Zombie Posted March 3 Author Posted March 3 (edited) 12 hours ago, Cane23 said: I've just seen the short film - A Friend of Dorothy, that was nominated for an Academy Award. I hadn’t watched it before, but it was worth every second of my time. It’s beautiful - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! A beautiful film indeed. Two people, so different in every way, whose meeting is so unlikely yet ‘see’ each other for who they are and ‘connect’ (as EM Forster wrote) Miriam Margolyes is exceptional, and the handsome Alistair Nwachukwu is definitely a young actor to watch out for (Spoiler alert: he really did get to go to a prestigious drama school and on a scholarship - fully paid just like JJ) Thanks so much for posting this - I shall definitely watch it again! https://www.instagram.com/p/DVOc9qrCrLp/# https://thecontending.com/lee-knight-interview/ Edited March 3 by Zombie 1 4
Popular Post Jason Rimbaud Posted March 3 Popular Post Posted March 3 On 2/5/2026 at 10:18 PM, William King said: https://www.imdb.com/video/vi1756954905/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk Beautiful Thing, 1996, 1h 30min, R (restricted), Comedy, Drama, Romance. Prime Video (free with subscription). Jamie is a shy teenager, often bullied at school. His neighbour Ste has a rough time at home, being beaten by his father and brother. These issues bring them together and they find that what they feel for each other is more than friendship. This isn't the best gay film, but it always stays high on my list as it was the first one I ever watched. The second film was another UK production, Get Real. Which I liked slightly better as the lead is scrumptous, nerdstar. In the 90's, America was far behind other countries in producing queer films. Much like today, still far behind. Though UK gave us Heartbreakers, so it's not all sunshine and roses over there. 5 1
Zombie Posted March 4 Author Posted March 4 5 hours ago, William King said: “Video unavailable This video contains content from Paramount Pictures (V), who has blocked it in your country on copyright grounds” 2
Gary L Posted March 5 Posted March 5 On 3/4/2026 at 12:44 AM, Jason Rimbaud said: Though UK gave us Heartbreakers, so it's not all sunshine and roses over there. And Queer as Folk! 3
William King Posted March 6 Posted March 6 7 hours ago, Gary L said: Queer as Folk The British version was excellent, (making love to the Dr Who sound track, an unforgettable clip) never watched the American version. I wonder what anyone thinks who saw both versions? Never found anything else Russell Davies did matched this first dramatic, raw, and upfront series. Just watched Get Real (see link before except US/Canada), can recommend it. A movie of its time. 3
W_L Posted March 6 Posted March 6 (edited) 15 hours ago, Gary L said: And Queer as Folk! And Shameless I like the American version more, but the British version was very grounded and nuanced Yes, I am Gallavich fan, I was glad to see Mikey and Ian end up as a dysfunctional-functional gay couple with some criminal behavior. Edited March 6 by W_L 1 1
Gary L Posted March 6 Posted March 6 16 hours ago, William King said: Never found anything else Russell Davies did matched this first dramatic, raw, and upfront series. Hi, his series about uni students in London as AIDS hit in the 80’s was brilliant, I thought, especially as I was a student there at the same time but luckily as it happened I was too closeted to try anything and so escaped unlike many friends. 😢 1 2
Page Scrawler Posted March 26 Posted March 26 Skyborn: Sparrow Rising, by Jessica Khoury. "In the stratified Clandoms, societal roles are dictated by birth: noble raptors rule, while Sparrows like Ellie Meadows are relegated to labor. Haunted by the gargol attack that claimed her parents and inspired by the Goldwing knight who saved her, Ellie defies her agricultural destiny." "She embarks on a perilous journey to the capital to join the elite Goldwings, navigating a sky filled with predatory monsters and rigid prejudices. Along the way, she unites with a band of fellow outcasts whose hidden pasts force her to redefine the true nature of heroism and justice." I'm not sure whether it counts as a "gay" novel, since it isn't the focus of the story. But Ellie's rival in the Order of Goldwings starts a romantic relationship with the prince of the Eagle Clan. 1
Krista Posted June 19 Posted June 19 I think it is time to resurrect this topic. Mostly because I recently settled in and was able to watch two films. Completely different in their intent, message, and depth, to be honest. As someone who likes more depth and nuances in film, I gravitated more to one over the other: Wildhood (2021), A film about Native American culture, or how fragmented and diluted it was forced to become. That theme is mostly understated and off-center from the main theme of he film. It's about two siblings, one half-native American, living on the Eastern Coast of Canada. The other white. Things happen and they run away from home to search for the older sibling's mother. I won't get too far into the plot. I think the above paragraph doesn't really do it justice, but with these films I want to stay off plot and more in what I enjoyed and what I didn't. With this film I thought the main character (Philip Forrest Lewitski) did well in the role. The depth coming more from the writing, setting, and atmosphere over the acting, to be fair. It didn't overshadow the acting and a lot of the characters seemed to fit their roles well. The younger sibling wasn't the best actor at times, but he was legitimately young and it is obvious in the experience in line delivery at times. Some tidbits of information is lost if you're not paying attention, as they're nuanced, or observational connecting of dots that the viewer has to connect, because the actors or writing never explains some things. I only watched it once, so I probably missed a few things. Overall I liked the film. Which is rare for a film or television show made in the 2020s, to be honest. -- The second film I watched, entirely different in every aspect. I actually started watching it because I wanted a Male Character, Male Character, Female Character dynamic. I wanted to see how the writer handled it, but I also knew going in that it was going to be different than what I would need as far as visual source material. I completed the film anyway, despite portions of it making me want to turn it off at times, as it just didn't ever get to any sort of impacting level of anything. It wasn't funny, but had moments. It wasn't romantic, but had moments. It wasn't sad/impactful, but it had moments. So it felt driven more by reality and a slice of existence than anything else. For a film at least for me, that makes it feel a bit lost in direction. Anyway, the film I'm talking about is: Summerland (2020). A road trip sort of film. The main character was the weakest actor of the three of them. He wasn't the most likeable, which I think was partly intentional. The other male lead I excused better, because what he did fit the overall arc better. The female actress and lead did the most work in the film, at least for me. There were moments the other male lead did really well and his acting overall was better. The film itself with a different main theme or expanded theme involving the two of them, I think at least, would have made the better film. The main theme being a gay guy intentionally logs onto a Christian leaning dating app, pretending (catfishing) as a female. He uses the picture of the female lead in the film. The female and other male lead are in a romantic relationship and have been for over a year. So, her joining them on the road trip was an obvious complication, but the whole 'catfishing,' thing just made the main theme weak to me. Mostly because it wasn't rooted in impact. It wasn't funny, it wasn't built to be this overwhelming double-life, it just existed until it no longer could. Prisma (2022) did something similar and pulled it off a lot better, at least in the first season. Like I said though, my biggest criticism of this film is that it never got to where I wanted it to go. The road trip underlying theme sort of parallels that feeling, but I don't think that was exactly intentional. At some point you should feel 'something' concrete happened about 'something,' and the only concrete thing that happened - happened to the Female/Male secondary characters - which also makes me think if their relationship, story, and consequences were more fleshed out and the gay/catfish never existed the film would've been stronger. The outcome of the lead character wasn't much in doubt. Although it did push some growth out of him at the end, but all three characters did some growing up towards the end of the film, so the impact of the lead's growth was shared and maybe it should not have been a completely shared experience. To sum up: I recommend Wildhood, and if you're curious and going in with lower expectations, Summerland is watchable. Or at least, I didn't DNF it. Summerland did not help me either, but it allowed me to procrastinate in my writing. Not a total loss I'm thinking. 1 2
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