★★★ For my final film of the excellent early summer surprise that was NewFest Pride, Andrew Durham’s depressing AIDS-era drama Fairyland fit the bill. This queer movie features two harrowing lead performances from Scoot McNairy and Emilia Jones, and enough tragedy and melodrama to comply with any generic LGBT+ criteria. Written and directed by Andrew … Continue reading NewFest Pride 2023: Fairyland
NewFest Pride 2023: Bottoms
★★★★ Existing in some kind of warped, super satirical version of our own reality, Bottoms serves up the ultimate version of high school ridiculousness. What makes this film such a brilliant exploration of friendship, horniness, and female empowerment? How does writer/director Emma Seligman manage to hit the cringe comedy sweet spot? By creating a twisted … Continue reading NewFest Pride 2023: Bottoms
NewFest Pride 2023: Problemista
★★★★★ A colorful explosion of dark comedy perfection, A24 gem Problemista is 2023’s queer masterpiece. Written, directed, produced by, and starring SNL wunderkind Julio Torres, Problemista isn’t afraid to ask the important questions. What’s with those pesky bank overdraft fees? Why do expensive restaurants always have walnuts in their salads? Most importantly: why is the … Continue reading NewFest Pride 2023: Problemista
NewFest 2022 Wrap-Up
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 … Continue reading NewFest 2022 Wrap-Up
NewFest 2022: Please Baby Please
★★★ I cannot stress enough how much I was really not a fan of director Amanda Kramer’s last film, Give Me Pity!, and its oddball mock-style television format. Color me surprised then that Kramer’s second movie, the fantastically bizarre Please Baby Please, is such an intriguing treat. With lead performances from Andrea Riseborough (2020’s The … Continue reading NewFest 2022: Please Baby Please
NewFest 2022: Lonesome
★★★★ Gorgeously photographed and rippling with emotionality, Lonesome is a tragic, poignant portrayal of the queer male experience. Many movies of this ilk seem to wallow in the sorrow and sadness that comes with being an outsider. Lonesome, however, takes a different approach. The sorrow and sadness still exist certainly, but the pain must commingle … Continue reading NewFest 2022: Lonesome