On this page: BOY CULTURE: THE SERIES | THE NOVICE | WILDHOOD

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Each likeable, intriguing actor finds strong textures within the slightly overwritten rapid-pace dialog. This is even more notable since most scenes are directed with a jaunty, smiling smirk. Magyar takes a superbly understated approach to even the most outrageous situations, and his chemistry with the always excellent Stephens still has a strong spark. Caceres bristles with attitude as the cocky, too-cute Chayce. Everyone else appears in one episode apiece, committing gamely to a range of witty gags.

Each episode features an encounter that has been carefully crafted to play up an aspect of gay life, usually with a pointed message about maintaining an open mind. This means that the series as a whole creates a refreshing bigger picture that makes space for a complex range of people, situations, desires and kinks. But Brocka's preference to tell rather than show leaves the sermonising feeling hollow. So the series ends up being far fluffier than it could have been. But there's still plenty of saucy fun to be had.

themes, language, sexuality

10.Jan.22

Fuhrman gives a startlingly focussed performance that highlights Alex's internal ticking timebomb, and she tempers it with brief glimpses of superficial humour and deep-seated emotions. In addition to her competitive nature, Alex has underlying curiosity about this new world, and Fuhrman manages to make her likeable even as she becomes a monster to everyone around her. Both Forsyth and Dilone have terrific presence alongside her, creating fascinating chemistry that further highlights Alex's pathological focus.

"You just started," one coach says, "give yourself a break." But of course Alex only pretends to do this. She is aware that others are smarter and more naturally talented, but to her this means that she needs to push harder. This is a harrowing depiction of someone who simply has no conception of relaxing or having fun. And the scary thing is that we all know people like this. This film doesn't offer much in the way of hope, although there is a glimmer of light at the end.

themes, language, violence, sexuality

21.Mar.22 flare

The bleached-blond, lanky Lewitski has terrific presence as Linc, a boy who has been given a hard edge by his upbringing and is only now beginning to be himself and let his emotions out. Watching him unwind around the smart, engaging Odjick's Pasmay is lovely, as the growing connection between them offers a sense of healing in more ways than one. Meanwhile, Winters-Anthony adds plenty of spark as the kinetic Travis, and other characters along the way provide texture and meaning.

Finally finding the space to contemplate his life, Linc's lingering question is why his mother left him behind when she fled from his father. But the film isn't about providing clear-cut answers; it's a story about discovering that life is far more complex and varied than we ever expect it to be. And by grounding scenes in the natural world, Hannam gives the film an almost primal authenticity. The final act is perhaps a bit romanticised, but the themes and characters are thoroughly involving.

themes, language, violence, sexuality

23.Mar.22 flare