2022’s NewFest is finally coming to a close, and with it came a variety of exciting LGBT+ titles for audiences to sink their teeth into. Unfortunately, I did not get the pleasure of attending many of the screenings in person, yet I found much to enjoy in this year’s roster. After the jump, check out our full coverage of this year’s NewFest!
Films
THE Inspection
(Written by Allison Brown) I didn’t have The Inspection high on my watch list at TIFF, but the buzz and support from A24 made Elegance Bratton’s personal piece a must-see. I am so glad that it did not disappoint. Gabrielle Union takes on an entirely new identity playing the role of French’s mother, and gives the best performance from her filmography. Jeremy Pope provides one of the most authentic biopic representations I have seen this year; French easily comes to life on screen. I generally do not find military related content to be entertaining, but the pace here is consistently moving forward. Toxic masculinity is put at the forefront in juxtaposition to the powerful queer story at the heart of the narrative. Bratton has now sealed his position as a strong filmmaker to watch. His passion to share this gripping story bleeds through.
LONESOME
Full review at the link.
My Policeman
(Written by Allison Brown) Although I am a moderate fan of Harry Styles, and a huge fan of his earlier work this year in Don’t Worry Darling, I am sad to report I am lukewarm on My Policeman. If the audience’s reactions in my very passionate screening were to be taken as a sample, Harry’s massive following is sure to be pleased with this new addition to the pop star’s repertoire. Personally, I was most confused as to how a film with so many sex scenes could be so boring. Cops are also strangely defended, a stark contrast to most current media, in a way leaning towards propaganda. The modern-day narrative is the weakest, and at times, struggles to find its footing. The danger of being caught feels more low stakes than it should; suspense is lacking in scenes where it is vital. If I were to have watched this from home as the rest of the Amazon Prime subscriber base, I would probably have tuned out over time. That being said, My Policeman is beautiful visually with vivid cinematography, making it not a total waste.
PLEASE BABY PLEASE
Full review at the link.
Rule 34
(Written by Allison Brown) Rule 34 presents an intriguing concept with a lackluster execution. The plot is too loosely defined in this slice of life narrative. Director Júlia Murat explores the line between consensual and non-consensual pain through the juxtaposition of the two separate parts of lead Simone’s (Sol Miranda) life. By day, she is in law school, studying to be a public defender, and by night, Simone dives deeper and deeper into the world of BDSM as a cam girl and in her personal life. The experiences she encounters as a legal professional focus on domestic abuse, as well as prostitution. There is far too much gratuitous nudity that doesn’t add anything to the story; vivid shots of both male and female genitalia are viewed with an unnecessarily long gaze. Simone is rarely wearing pants, even while just existing in her personal life; it feels like at any moment, the film might stray straight to pornography. Perhaps Rule 34 veered too much toward arthouse for my own personal taste, but I was not a fan.
WENDELL & WILD
Full review at the link.
This year, my favorites were Lonesome and Wendell & Wild, both of which I feel could become instant-classics! Allison loved The Inspection. Next year, my greatest hope is to experience more in-person screenings. My love for LGBT+ features has only grown in the past few years, and if filmmakers can continue tapping into the raw energy of their personal stories, we are in for a very exciting future. For more info about 2022’s NewFest, please visit the festival’s official website.