Queer (2024)

The story follows William Lee, an American expatriate living a lonely and routine existence in Mexico City.

His life changes when he meets Eugene Allerton, a young man whose presence awakens emotions in Lee that he thought were buried.

As their relationship develops, the film explores themes such as the fragility of desire, loneliness and the disconnection that defines the characters.

The script balances moments of introspection with interactions fraught with ambiguity and tension.

While the relationship between Lee and Allerton is the core of the narrative, the dynamics between Lee and the other expatriates are also highlighted, adding context to his isolation and the world he inhabits.

Luca Guadagnino's signature style combines meticulous staging with direction that prioritizes the emotions of his characters.

The streets of Mexico City are presented as a character in their own right, with wide shots that highlight both their beauty and decay, reflecting William Lee's emotional state.

Daniel Craig delivers one of the most introspective performances of his career as William Lee. His performance accurately captures the mix of vulnerability, hopelessness and desire that defines his character.

Through minimal gestures and masterful control of his body language, Craig conveys the complexities of a man caught between the past and an unsatisfying present.

Drew Starkey, as Eugene Allerton, brings freshness and charisma to the film. His performance contrasts with Craig's melancholy, portraying an ideal of youth and vitality that awakens in Lee a renewed interest in life.

The chemistry between the two actors is subtle but palpable, reinforcing the emotional ambiguity of their relationship.

The cinematography is dazzling, using muted colors and stark contrasts to reflect the protagonist's nostalgia and emotional emptiness.

The streets of Mexico City, bar interiors and crowded rooms are rendered in detail that conveys both the beauty and sadness of the environment.

It is a visually dazzling and emotionally resonant drama that stands out for its precise direction and moving performances.

Luca Guadagnino offers a deeply human exploration of repressed desires and isolation, capturing both the emotional complexity of his characters and the melancholy beauty of their surroundings.