On this page: BOY MEETS BOY | RURANGI | SUBLET

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Performances feel improvised, with hilariously random dialog that brings out their personalities. Morrison and Koutsoulis have terrific chemistry, finding warm humour in their continuous flirtation. Their spiralling dialog is wonderfully offhanded, their physicality is open and expressive, and they find strong connections in moments that are completely silent. Johannes confesses that he needs sex, not love, at this stage in his life. While Harry argues for a more lasting interaction, even as his views are more progressive than the moralistic Harry.

This is a delightfully watchable stream-of-consciousness conversation shot mostly in sunny outdoor locations as two sexy young men playfully circle each other. Intriguingly, it isn't about them falling in love over the few hours they have together; it's more about them discovering things about themselves as they begin looking through the other's eyes. Lopez is exploring the difficulty of finding your passion in a world that's so full of distractions. And maybe that's fine if you can learn to enjoy the journey.

themes, language

17.Mar.21 flare

Carrad has terrific presence as Caz, haunted by past decisions and terrified to be really seen by others. But actually, he's the one who won't see those around him. Even if he's his own worst problem, Carrad plays Caz with a sensitivity that makes him hugely sympathetic. His scenes with the excellent Torrance, Ashby and Green bristle with hard-to-express feelings. Each performance is incisive and grounded, adding sharply important angles to the story.

It may feel old-fashioned, but the film flips the usual coming-out formula: Caz is the one who must examine himself, because everyone else is fine with who he is. And Caz's self-loathing has little to do with his gender identity. Meanwhile, each character is on his or her own journey into accepting themselves and the wonderful variety of people around them. The ultimate point is that Caz simply needs to stop running away give people a chance to really see him. It's a beautiful film that challenges us to be more aware of how important that is.

themes, language

18.Mar.21 flare

Hickey gives Michael a wonderful wariness, making him a fascinating character: a slightly nervous man who ironically writes a newspaper column called The Intrepid Traveller. His inquisitiveness bounces enjoyably off the charismatic Nissim's matter-of-fact performance as Tomer. Their interaction is complex and layered, friendly and prickly with just a bit of flirtation as they discover similarities and differences in the way they look at the world. And as they open up to each other, their deeper desires come subtly into focus.

Without being glib about it, Fox cleverly juxtaposes generational perspectives, setting Michael's romanticism against Tomer's need for instant gratification. And there's some gentle tension as we wonder how they might arrive somewhere in the middle. There's also the matter of another shoe that needs to drop, revealing what's actually going on with Michael, which is sensitively moving. The way these men rub off on each other feels organic, wryly comical and provocative in just the right ways.

themes, language, sexuality

19.Mar.21 flare