"Queer" is a 2024 period romantic drama directed by Luca Guadagnino, adapted from William S. Burroughs' 1985 novella. The film stars Daniel Craig as William Lee, an American expatriate in 1950s Mexico City who becomes infatuated with a younger man, Eugene Allerton, portrayed by Drew Starkey. The narrative delves into themes of identity, addiction, and the complexities of unrequited love.
Wikipedia
Themes:
Identity and Isolation: Explores the protagonist's struggle with self-identity and the isolation stemming from his unreciprocated desires.
Addiction: Depicts the impact of substance abuse on personal relationships and self-perception.
Unrequited Love: Examines the emotional turmoil and obsession associated with one-sided affection.
Awards, and Nominations: 3 wins & 37 nominations
"Queer" premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2024, competing for the Golden Lion.
Wikipedia
While it did not secure the top prize, the film received critical acclaim, particularly for Daniel Craig's performance, which has garnered significant awards buzz. As of January 2025, the film holds a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 85, indicating universal acclaim.
Critical Reception:
Critics have lauded the film's direction, performances, and atmospheric portrayal of 1950s Mexico City. The Financial Times described Craig's performance as "mesmerising in a swooning hymn to beauty," highlighting the film's poetic exploration of queer ecstasy and its challenges.
Financial Times
RogerEbert.com noted Guadagnino's "go-for-broke" direction, emphasizing the film's blend of realism and dream-like visuals.
Roger Ebert
Box Office Performance:
Upon its limited release in the United States on November 27, 2024, followed by a nationwide release on December 13, "Queer" has grossed approximately $25 million worldwide as of January 2025. The film's box office performance has been bolstered by strong word-of-mouth and critical praise.
Production Details:
Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the screenplay was penned by Justin Kuritzkes. The film features cinematography by Sayombhu Mukdeeprom and a musical score by Devonté Hynes. Principal photography took place in various locations in Italy, standing in for 1950s Mexico City, capturing the period's essence through meticulous production design.
Production Companies and Distributors:
"Queer" was produced by Frenesy Film Company and MeMo Films. A24 acquired distribution rights for the United States, handling both the limited and nationwide releases. Internationally, distribution was managed by MUBI, which also holds streaming rights in select territories.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt24176060/
Link Review: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/queer-movie-review/
About movie: https://a24films.com/films/queer
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/queer (US)