A24’s 2024 film Queer, directed by Luca Guadagnino, provides an artistic viewing of queerness in the 1950s but fails to add anything new to the LGBTQ+ representation in film.
Starring Drew Starkley and Daniel Craig, the film tells the story of characters Lee (Craig) falling for Eugene Allerton (Starkley) against the backdrop of 1950s Mexico. Based on the novella of the same name by William S. Burroughs, published in 1985, it is set in three acts, concluding with a brief and abstract epilogue.
The film focuses on Lee, an American now living in Mexico, and his struggles with his identity, his love for Eugene, and opiate addiction. Aided by abstract dream sequences, that personally felt reminiscent of a David Lynch film, we see Lee’s internal struggles.
My problem with the film mainly lies with its representation. Popular LGBTQ+ films generally feature white, gay men and their relationships, and this film is no exception. While it is adapted from a pre-existing novella, diversifying the story could have made the narrative more engaging.
Craig’s performance was incredible, along with Starkley’s. Other featured actors include Jason Schwartzman and Lesley Manville. Cinematography was done by Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, who had stunning shots that isolate the characters, and keep the audience distant.
Overall, I rate this film 3/5. Its camera work and color grading stand out, but it failed to add anything to LGBTQ+ representation in film. Queer (2024) is available to stream on Max and to purchase on AppleTV.
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