Examining toxic masculinity through the lens of high school parties has been attempted many a time. For writer/director Alejandro Andrade, his feature Fine Young Men finds an enthralling way to newly frame that conceit through the eyes of internalized homophobia and chilling privilege. This unflinching drama plainly examines its closeted lead character in all his flawed horror. There may need to be a content warning for the more sensitive viewers given what happens around the midway point. Jarring and powerful, Fine Young Men is a heartbreaking queer character study steeped in grim tragedy.
Alf (Andres Revo) has just returned from a year at the priests’ boarding school in Oakland, but things back home seem very different from the way he left them. His friends are girl-obsessed and want to party—Alf practically disassociates half the time when he speaks to them. Such is certainly not the case when it comes to sweet ukulele-playing loner, Oliver (Joaquín Emanuel). From the second they briefly make eye contact, Alf appears enamored with Oliver. As Laker (Emilio Puente) plans an elaborate homecoming party in Alf’s honor, Alf would rather spend time freeform jamming with Oliver and his cousin, Diana (Arianna Hermosilla).
Alf and Oliver definitely have a cute chemistry, with building sexual tension that appears to be leading somewhere. However, there are many obvious roadblocks in acting on their baser impulses. For one, Alf’s machismo buddies appear not-so-keen on the “so gay” ukulele stoner or his cousin. It initially seems that Alf has confidence in his sexual identity having had the time to explore it while he was away. Oliver conversely becomes withdrawn when Alf draws him closer. However, after the homecoming party, a shift occurs in their interactions. Realizing that Oliver is not viewed as standardly “cool” by his other friends, Alf leans into a dangerous path of alcoholism and repression.
Fine Young Men stresses that while Alf started out quite well-intentioned, the pressure of social expectations push him into a dangerous direction. He becomes a tragic yet infuriating protagonist, whose desperate need for approval leads him down a path of destruction. An unfortunate example occurs when Alf participates in a horrible event that drives him apart from Oliver in an irreversible manner. The dynamic between characters drives much of the action. Not all of these boys seem terrible: at least Perro (Pablo Delgado) comes off supportive, pushing Alf to hook up with Oliver as long as Alf continues to “keep fucking chicks.” A mild suggestion that this boy, too, may at least be bisexual leads Alf to an overly flirtatious exchange.
Fine Young Men absolutely presents many annoying instances of bro-speak, and tends to bask in the unmistakable tragedy of its gay characters. Alf’s journey, as played by a committed Andres Revo, could be a frustrating pill to swallow for those hoping it will take a turn into a different direction. Andrade’s script, however, crafts a vital narrative that moves the needle beyond that dour sadness plaguing so many LGBT+ titles of the 90s and 2000s. His message may not be one of hope and triumph, but rather a blistering cautionary tale. To call the conclusion infuriating would be an understatement, marking the sharp skill of a clever filmmaker. Coming-of-age with a thrilling throughline, Fine Young Men carves out a Spanish niche for fans of Netflix’s Elite.
Fine Young Men screened at 2025’s Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
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