The past year has seen several LGBTQ-themed films including stories of love, identity and diversity
Red, White & Royal Blue: a film that received excellent public response. This is the film adaptation of the novel of the same name written by Casey McQuiston. Directed by Matthew Lopez it tells the (almost impossible) love story between the son of the President of the United States of America Ellen Claremont (Uma Thurman), Alex Claremont-Diaz (Taylor Zakhar Perez) and Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine) nephew of the English King James III (Stephen Fry). The story sees them as bitter enemies and after the cake scandal, which occurred during the royal wedding, they will be forced to give several interviews and meetings, pretending to be friends. Over the course of the film, the two protagonists make peace, gradually strengthening their relationship. The love between the two explodes at the end of year party organized by Alex Claremont-Diaz. Their relationship will remain secret until it is revealed by a journalist friend of Alex Claremont-Diaz who makes public the emails that the two young people exchanged. The scandal will separate them. At a certain point Alex will arrive in London to reunite with his beloved Henry. Meanwhile, King James III decides to call a small family meeting to decide the future of Henry and Alex. The outcome will be that the two will not be able to be together since a gay relationship does not fit into the traditional image of the English Crown but in the meantime, a crowd gathers outside Buckingham Palace in support of the love story between Prince Henry and Alex. At that point, they will come out into the open, publicly declaring their love.
Passages: French film, directed by François Ozon, which explores the complexity of polyamorous relationships. Tomas (Franz Rogowski), is a German director married to Martin (Ben Whishaw), but who over time also falls in love with Agathe (Adèle Exarchopoulos), a young French woman. The film follows the sentimental and sexual adventures of the three characters, between Paris and Berlin, showing their joys and difficulties in managing an unconventional situation.
Nazi Germany and the Pink Triangles
Wham!: it is not really a film but it is a documentary of the most famous pop duo in the history of international music of the 80s formed by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. The film traces – thanks to testimonies and interviews – the birth of Wham! and also the private lives of the two protagonists such as George Michael’s coming out, his fight against AIDS and his premature end on December 25, 2016.
Rotting in the Sun: it is a surreal and black comedy, directed and starring Sebastián Silva. This film features a gay influencer Jordan Firstman who will try to make his secret dream come true: a film with his idol, director Sebastián Silva. And unfortunately for him, he will find himself in several misadventures after the mysterious disappearance of director Sebastián Silva. Rotting in the Sun is a film that pokes fun at the world of cinema and narcissistic culture, with black and irreverent humor.
The Spanish Gay Movement under Francoism
The Last of Us: a horror film based on the video game of the same name could not be missing. In this film, the protagonist Ellie – a lesbian girl – discovers herself immune to the virus that has transformed much of humanity into ferocious creatures. The girl will face a dangerous journey across the United States of America with Joel at her side. Our pair of heroes will face several fights against monsters, bandits and religious fanatics on this journey. Excellent action, horror, suspenseful and emotional film.
The Prom: Ryan Murphy takes us into the world of musicals with this musical film based on the Broadway show of the same name. The story features Emma, a young lesbian student who would like to take her girlfriend to the prom. Obviously her desire will be thwarted by the school and her parents but fortunately four musical theater stars will come to her rescue for a good deed and at the same time to relaunch their careers. A fun and light-hearted musical comedy. To be seen.
Ferdinand Grimm: the third brother forgotten because he was gay
These are some of the many LGBTQ-themed titles that were released in 2023, both in cinema and on television on the many streaming platforms. Films to revisit or see for the first time. Titles not to be missed.
A Breeze In The Darkness: A collection of seven short stories. An unexpected call for help from a youthful friend will plunge you into a haunted house. A woman desperate to find her true life will take you to the dark side of madness. Small warning: never anger the ladies in black. Not every book was written to be read. One, in particular, was meant to remain hidden in the flames of Hell. The mirror symbol of vanity, love, and revenge. A road. A community. An avenger returned to purify the place of his youth. Seven short stories to be read like a breeze from the darkness.
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