You searched for All of Us Strangers - GAY TIMES https://www.gaytimes.com/ Amplifying queer voices. Fri, 02 May 2025 15:14:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 The History of Sound: Here’s your first look at Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor’s gay drama https://www.gaytimes.com/films/history-of-sound-heres-your-first-look-at-paul-mescal-and-josh-oconnors-gay-drama/ Fri, 02 May 2025 15:14:15 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1431320 Following months of anticipation, the first images have been released for Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor’s highly-anticipated gay drama The History of Sound. Directed by Oliver Hermanus (Mary & George),…

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Following months of anticipation, the first images have been released for Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor’s highly-anticipated gay drama The History of Sound.

Directed by Oliver Hermanus (Mary & George), the film is based on the Pushcart Prize-winning novel from Ben Shattuck, a collection of 12 short stories that are set across three centuries and explores generational patterns of love and loss.

The title story follows two young men in the shadows of WWI who are determined to record the lives, voices and music of their American countrymen. Lionel (Mescal) and David (O’Connor) begin to log the events, whilst falling in love in the process.

The film’s first stills, revealed by Vanity Fair, depict Mescal submerged shirtless in water, O’Connor caught mid-drag on a cigarette and the pair sharing a quiet, intimate moment as they laugh over coffee.

In an accompanying interview, Hermanus discussed casting Mescal and O’Connor, who have both risen to mega-stardom in recent years—particularly for their roles in the lauded queer films All of Us Strangers and Challengers.

“Their lives were literally changing, and it was always this groupthink situation of, Where can we find the time to force the universe to let us make this film?” said Hermanus.

“We probably wouldn’t have been able to make this film when we wanted to, in 2022, because they weren’t the Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor that we now know today.”

Mescal noted how fortunate he felt to be part of The History of Sound, acknowledging how often beloved projects fail to materialise after years of effort: “How many times do you hear people who really try and get something made over five, 10, 15 years, and it just falls away?

“I remember feeling very lucky. Like, We have to enjoy this. Because we’ll come across other opportunities in our life where we love a script as much as this, and we just don’t get to get it made.”

The Gladiator II star went on to gush about his chemistry with O’Connor, revealing that he brought out a “childlike version” of himself, and that he hadn’t “felt that kind of degree of boyishness in myself for a long time”.

In The History of Sound, the sparse inclusion of sex scenes was a deliberate choice by Hermanus, who told Vanity Fair he didn’t want to frame them as a “transgression.” He stressed that he didn’t want to draw attention to the fact that “these two men are taking the risk of being sexual” in a pre-progressive era.

“Ben wrote it in a way where there was no hesitation, no moment of fear. For me, the sex scene is when Lionel is walking around David’s apartment the morning after [their first encounter], and he’s smelling everything and sitting everywhere,” he explained. “He’s absorbing the energy of this person.”

Mescal added: “There is a kind of real sense of companionship, and the joy and loss that comes with the presence and absence of that. It’s not just about sex and the intensity of falling in love. It’s deeper than that.”

The History of Sound will premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it will compete for the Palme d’Or.

The historical drama also stars Chris Cooper (Little Women), Molly Price (Third Watch), Raphael Sbarge (Once Upon a Time), Hadley Robinson (Moxie), Emma Canning (Dune: Prophecy), Brianna Middleton (The Inheritance) and Gary Raymond (The Cedar Tree).

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Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 trailer is for the gays https://www.gaytimes.com/television/nine-perfect-strangers-season-2-trailer-is-for-the-gays/ Tue, 29 Apr 2025 16:35:53 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1430794 The first trailer for Nine Perfect Strangers season two features the return of Nicole Kidman as her camp wellness guru, alongside several LGBTQIA+ stars and fan-favourites. Set to be released…

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The first trailer for Nine Perfect Strangers season two features the return of Nicole Kidman as her camp wellness guru, alongside several LGBTQIA+ stars and fan-favourites.

Set to be released on 22 May on Prime Video, the drama series follows nine strangers who are “connected in ways they could never imagine” and are invited by Masha to attend a “transformational wellness retreat” in the Austrian Alps.

As per the synopsis: “Over the course of a week, she takes them to the brink. Will they make it? Will she? Masha is willing to try anything in the interest of healing everyone involved, including herself.”

LGBTQIA+ stars include singer-songwriter King Princess in their acting debut, The Originals alum Maisie Richardson-Sellers and Murray Bartlett—renowned for standout roles in Looking (2014–2015), The White Lotus (2021), which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award, and The Last of Us (2023).

The cast also features Henry Golding, who received acclaim for his role in the gay drama Monsoon (2019); Schitt’s Creek favourite and ‘A Little Bit Alexis’ icon Annie Murphy; and all-around queer icon Christine Baranski (The Good Fight).

Lena Olin (Alias), Lucas Englander (Transatlantic), Dolly de Leon (Triangle of Sadness), Mark Strong (Cruella) and Aras Aydin (Kiraz Mevsim) round out the season two cast.

In the trailer, Masha shows off a fierce new bob, queer stars Bartlett, Princess and Richardson-Sellers share a moment and Baranski delivers those trademark one-liners that only she could nail. (Give them all Emmys, now.)

Meanwhile, Olin’s bold new character confronts Masha, declaring, “You came to me a broken woman, and you’ll break everyone you try to heal!”—a remark that’s met with intense resistance from Kidman’s lead character.

Created by David E. Kelley, the first season of Nine Perfect Strangers premiered in 2021, breaking records as Hulu’s most-watched original series (at the time).

Watch the trailer for season two below.

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American Psycho director mystified over “Wall Street bros” missing the film’s gay subtext https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/american-psycho-director-mystified-over-wall-street-bros-missing-the-films-gay-subtext/ Thu, 17 Apr 2025 21:52:37 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1429481 The director of American Psycho has called out “Wall Street bros” for missing the “very gay” subtext of the film. Back in 2000, film enthusiasts were treated to the film…

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The director of American Psycho has called out “Wall Street bros” for missing the “very gay” subtext of the film.

Back in 2000, film enthusiasts were treated to the film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’s book of the same name.

Directed by Mary Harron, the movie takes place in 1987 and follows Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), a handsome and wealthy investment banker obsessed with status, success and his appearance.

The official synopsis adds: “He is also a psychotic killer who murders and dismembers both strangers and acquaintances without provocation and purpose.”

Following its release, American Psycho earned rave reviews for Bale’s dynamic performance, Harron’s directing and its blend of comedy, horror and satire.

Over the last 25 years, the film has remained a mainstay in the pop culture sphere, earning cult classic status among cinephiles for its unapologetic look at toxic masculinity and identity. 

However, the continued success of American Psycho has also been a double-edged sword, with some men on social media claiming Patrick Bateman as the ultimate “sigma male.”

In a recent interview with Letterboxd Journal, Harron opened up about the movie’s enduring legacy and its popularity in toxic, male-centred spaces.

“I’m always so mystified by it. I don’t think that Guinevere [Turner, co-screenwriter of the film] and I ever expected it to be embraced by Wall Street bros, at all. That was not our intention. So, did we fail?” she explained.  

“I’m not sure why [it happened], because Chrisitan’s very clearly making fun of them… But, people read the Bible and decide that they should go and kill a lot of people. People read The Catcher in the Rye and decide to shoot the president.”

Harron went on to provide further insight into the film’s central message, which the self-proclaimed “sigma males” seem to have missed.

“It was very clear to me and Guinevere, who is gay, that we saw it as a gay man’s satire on masculinity,” she continued.

“[Ellis’] being gay allowed him to see the homoerotic rituals among these alpha males, which is also true in sports, and it’s true in Wall Street, and all these things where men are prizing their extreme competition and elevating their prowess, kind of thing.

“There’s something very, very gay about the way they’re fetishising looks and the gym.

Towards the end of her statement, the I Shot Andy Warhol director reflected on how society has worsened since the film’s release.

“It was about a predatory society, and now the society is actually, 25 years later, much worse. The rich are much richer, the poor are poorer, she explained.

“I would never have imagined that there would be a celebration of racism and white supremacy, which is basically what we have in the White House. I would have never imagined that we would live through that.

Harron’s interview comes a few months after it was announced that Call Me By Your Name director Luca Guadagnino would be creating his own adaptation of American Psycho, with Austin Butler rumoured to star.

However, in January, Ellis shared his doubts about the project’s legitimacy during an episode of his podcast.

“I have a feeling it’s fake news. I heard somewhere, from someone, that there are no contracts, he alleged.

“Austin Butler hasn’t signed anything to play Patrick Bateman. Luca doesn’t have a deal. Scott Burns, who is supposed to write the screenplay, doesn’t have a deal either.”

Ellis went on to claim that, per his various sources, the American Psycho news was only “put out there to gauge how audiences would react to the idea.

“If it does exist, I am not involved, I have nothing to do with this. I might get some money if they do this, but I am not involved creatively on any level, and that is all I know, he added.

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Fire Island’s Joel Kim Booster reflects on “powerful” gay awakening experience https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/fire-islands-joel-kim-booster-reflects-on-powerful-gay-awakening-experience/ Tue, 25 Mar 2025 03:08:20 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1426693 Joel Kim Booster has opened up about his intense gay awakening experience that left him with stitches. On 20 March, Grindr dropped a new episode of their podcast, ‘Who’s the A**hole?,’ which…

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Joel Kim Booster has opened up about his intense gay awakening experience that left him with stitches.

On 20 March, Grindr dropped a new episode of their podcast, ‘Who’s the A**hole?,’ which features host and Drag Race icon Katya interviewing celebrities on “juicy and messy” topics.

For the show’s latest entry, Katya sat down with Fire Island star Booster, who opened up about his engagement with Michael Sudsina and when they plan to tie the knot.

“I think it’s probably going to be one or two years probably. Only because of the nature of my work, it’s very hard to plan in advance for something,” he explained.

“I will say, one of the main reasons why we decided to get engaged and get married is that I want to throw a party. And yes, I can throw any kind of party I want, and it doesn’t have to be connected to the wedding, but I do want it to be a production.”

In addition to discussing his upcoming nuptials, Booster got candid about his gay awakenings, revealing that he had both a “sexual gay awakening and cultural gay awakening.”

“For me, the sexual part of it would be Scott Bakula in the opening credits of Quantum Leap because when he’s in that blue smoke in that tan body suit, I, at four years old, thought that that was what a naked man looked like, I had no frame of reference at that point and I was so fascinated, I was like, ‘I want to see this more and more and more,” he revealed.

The Loot star went on to reveal that he was so enthralled with Bakula in Quantum Leap that it caused him to fall and get stitches.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Grindr (@grindr)

“I remember, in fact, I was jumping from couch to couch, there was a coffee table in the middle of it, and my sister had put on Quantum Leap, and suddenly I saw him in that blue smoke and almost mid-air, I went “woah”, and I fell and gashed my head on the coffee table and had to get stitches because that is how powerful my gay awakening was,” Booster recalled.

While Booster’s cultural gay awakening didn’t result in him going to the hospital, it still left a lasting impact on him.

“The cultural gay awakening would be Famke Janssen in Golden Eye killing a man with her thighs because I said, ‘I didn’t realize that was an option, and I was like, ‘Women can be so powerful,'” he said.

Of course, the pair’s interview included some juicy NSFW moments, including Booster’s disdain for shower sex.

After Katya mentioned the wet activity, the talented comedian compared it to being waterboarded.

“If you’re having shower sex, you’re being waterboarded or you’re out of the water shivering. Either way, it’s Zero Dark 30 every single time you’re in the shower,” he joked.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Joel Kim Booster (@ihatejoelkim)

Lastly, Booster opened up about the brutal Grindr experience he had with a Gen Z user.

“I’ll talk about the 23-year-old because this is–– you’re talking to strangers you don’t know. You are building a rapport and I was speaking to this young man, and we had a fun shady-like teasing rapport back and forth,” the comedian explained.

“But at one point, I was like, ‘I’m old, and I have to go to bed. I’m so sorry,’ and he was like, ‘Okay, boomer ha ha,’ or something along those lines. And again, totally in bounds with what the relationship we set up, and I said, ‘Well, at least I look younger than you do, lol.’

“And then he decided to take from that to ‘Well, adult acne and acne scars will do that for a person. And Gen Z’s ability to zero in on your greatest insecurity– I was so shocked, like I stopped responding obviously, and of course, this is the thing that was the big disconnect for me was like, the next day he kept being like, ‘When are you coming over? When are you coming over?'”

Check out Booster and Katya’s full sit-down here or below.

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18 iconic gay romance films, from All of Us Strangers to Brokeback Mountain https://www.gaytimes.com/originals/romantic-films-all-gay-bisexual-and-queer-men-should-watch/ Thu, 27 Feb 2025 11:00:03 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/?p=202072         Here are 18 romantic comedies and dramas that are must-watches for all queer men. WORDS BY SAM DAMSHENAS HEADER BY YOSEF PHELAN ‘Dire’ is how we…

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Here are 18 romantic comedies and dramas that are must-watches for all queer men.

WORDS BY SAM DAMSHENAS
HEADER BY YOSEF PHELAN

‘Dire’ is how we used to describe on-screen representation for people of the rainbow variety. For a long time (eons, really), stories about queerness often led to death and despair (hence the ‘Bury Your Gays trope) and, if a heterosexual series or movie featured a character of the LGBTQIA+ experience, they’d be the ‘sidekick’ whose sexuality was undefined and sole purpose in the narrative was to bring in the laughs. (We are funnier than cis-het people, but that’s besides the point.)

Representation has dramatically improved in recent years; queers can now identify with a leading character who doesn’t perish in the film’s final moments. (What a concept, huh?) Each year is getting better and better, too, with a plethora of LGBTQIA+ comedies, dramas and horrors set to be released in 2025. But for now, read ahead for 18 must-watch romances for the queer man, from the Oscar-winning stylings of Moonlight to Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez’s star-crossed royal romp in Red, White & Royal Blue. (Visit here for our list for queer women!)

All of Us Strangers (2024)

Cast: Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Jamie Bell, Claire Foy

All of Us Strangers follows Adam, a screenwriter (Andrew Scott), who returns to his childhood home, where he discovers that his long-dead parents are both alive and appear the same age they were when they died over 30 years ago. At the same time, Adam embarks on a passionate romance with his mysterious neighbour Harry (Paul Mescal). Directed by Andrew Haigh, All of Us Strangers received universal critical acclaim, becoming one of the most praised LGBTQIA+ films in history. Despite this, it failed to receive a single nomination at the Academy Awards, which many deemed a “snub”.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Cast: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, Michelle Williams, Randy Quaid, Linda Cardellini, Anna Faris

Ang Lee’s iconic same-sex romance Brokeback Mountain stars Jake Gyllenhaal and the late Heath Ledger as Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, star-crossed cowboy lovers in the American West during the 1960s. Widely hailed as a turning point for LGBTQIA+ stories in mainstream cinema, the heart-wrenching drama won three Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, with additional acting nominations for Ledger, Gyllenhaal, and Michelle Williams. However, Brokeback Mountain lost Best Picture to Paul Haggis’ critically divisive drama Crash, a decision that remains one of the Academy Awards’ most controversial (and dumbfounding).

Bros (2022)

Cast: Billy Eichner, Luke Macfarlane, Ts Madison, Monica Raymund, Guillermo Díaz, Guy Branum, Amanda Bearse, Jim Rash, Miss Lawrence, Dot-Marie Jones, Jai Rodriguez, Harvey Fierstein, Bowen Yang, Debra Messing, Symone, Ryan Faucett

Bros marked a historic moment for queer cinema as the first gay rom-com from a major studio. An outrageously funny queer romp, the film follows Billy Eichner’s character Bobby Lieber, a podcaster and radio show host who falls for a ‘masc4masc’ gay (played by Luke Macfarlane). From Bobby snapping a pic of his butt for a Grindr hook-up (who promptly blocks him) to the two leads bringing the foot fetish industry to the big screen, Bros is g-g-g-gay. While it didn’t make a splash at the box office, Bros reinvigorated a genre that had long felt stale and proved that rom-coms are in dire need of more queer narratives. Fun fact: the principal cast members were all LGBTQIA+.

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Cast: Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalet, Michael Stuhlbarg, Amira Casar, Esther Garrel

Call Me By Your Name has quickly become one of the most beloved romances of all time. An adaptation of André Aciman’s 2007 novel, the film is set in 1983 in Northern Italy and chronicles the developing relationship between 17-year-old Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet) and Oliver (Armie Hammer), a 24-year-old graduate assistant to Elio’s father (Michael Stuhlbarg). The themes of first love and heartbreak, along with the dreamy, idyllic world crafted by director Luca Guadagnino, have evoked deep, impassioned emotions in LGBTQIA+ viewers around the world. You’ll never listen to Sufjan Stevens the same way again.

Cicada (2020)

Cast: Matt Fifer, Sheldon D. Brown, Sandra Bauleo, Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, Cobie Smulders, Scott Adsit, Michael Potts, David Burtka, Jo Firestone, Jason Greene

In Cicada, Ben (Matt Fifer), a bisexual thirty-something New Yorker grappling with deep trauma, is— as his sister puts it— “back on the dick” after recently being engaged to a woman. Following a series of meaningless hook-ups, Ben forms an immediate connection with Sam (fellow co-writer Sheldon D. Brown), a closeted data analyst struggling with PTSD after being hospitalised in a drive-by shooting. Cicada delicately explores complex themes rarely seen in queer cinema: Sam delves into the intersectionality of being a Black gay man in the United States, while Ben realises that his promiscuity and trauma stem from being molested by his stepfather as a child.

Fire Island (2022)

Cast: Joel Kim Booster, Bowen Yang, Conrad Ricamora, James Scully, Margaret Cho, Matt Rogers, Tomás Matos, Torian Miller, Nick Adams, Zane Phillips, Michael Graceffa, Aidan Wharton

Hailed by critics and viewers as an instant queer classic, Fire Island follows two best friends (Joel Kim Booster and Bowen Yang) as they embark on their annual weeklong vacation to the titular gay hotspot. Written by Booster and directed by Andrew Ahn, the Pride and Prejudice-inspired rom-com puts queer Asian-American narratives at the forefront whilst celebrating and glorifying LGBTQIA+ culture like no other film before it. Although Fire Island explores issues such as body image, wealth, race and how the queer community can, at times, tear each other apart, it’s saturated with moments that capture the unequivocal joy that comes with being queer – instead of the constant strife that’s historically been depicted in mainstream media. No death! No despair! No desolation! Here, queers have sex, attend underwear parties and scold one another for their lack of knowledge on Marisa Tomei’s Oscar-winning role in My Cousin Vinny. Sequel slash spin-off, when?

God’s Own Country (2017)

Cast: Josh O’Connor, Alec Secăreanu, Ian Hart, Gemma Jones

God’s Own Country is Yorkshire’s answer to Brokeback Mountain. This romantic drama follows sheep farmer Johnny (played to perfection by Josh O’Connor), whose life is transformed by the arrival of Gheorghe (Alec Secăreanu), a Romanian migrant worker hired to assist with the lambing season. Partly inspired by director Francis Lee’s own experiences (in his feature directorial debut), God’s Own Country became one of the decade’s most praised films, with critics particularly highlighting the performances of O’Connor and Secăreanu, as well as its raw depiction of loneliness and intimacy.

Holding the Man (2015)

Cast: Ryan Corr, Craig Stott, Sarah Snook, Guy Pearce, Anthony LaPaglia, Kerry Fox, Camilla Ah Kin 

This tear-jerking drama adapts writer, actor, and activist Timothy Conigrave’s renowned 1995 memoir, one of Australia’s most iconic pieces of gay literature, to the screen. Directed by Neil Armfield and set in 1970s Australia, Holding the Man chronicles the beautiful yet heartbreaking 15-year relationship between Timothy (Ryan Corr) and John Caleo (Craig Stott), the captain of his high school football team. As we mentioned, it’s a blubber-fest, so make sure you’re stocked up on those tissues.

In From The Side (2022)

Cast: Alexander Lincoln, Alexander King, William Hearle, Christopher Sherwood, Peter McPherson, Pearse Egan, Ivan Comisso, Carl Loughlin, Alex Hammond, Chris Garner, Mary Lincoln, 

We got the gay rugby drama we need and deserve, thanks to a Kickstarter campaign and the vision of director/writer and former rugby coach Matt Carter. In From The Side stars Emmerdale’s Alexander Lincoln as Mark, an inexperienced new recruit on the B team at a gay rugby club who has a drunken encounter with Warren (Alexander King), the A team’s star player. Both men are in long-term relationships, and with Warren’s partner on the same team, he and Mark inadvertently put the future of the rugby club at risk as they embark on a steamy, passionate affair. Carter’s directorial debut features well-written characters and strong performances from the two leads, and refreshingly, it doesn’t rely on the typical tropes associated with queerness and sports. Forbidden romance aside, In From The Side simply portrays the lives of people who play rugby together, capturing the complexities of their relationships both on and off the field.

LOEV (2015)

Cast: Dhruv Ganesh, Shiv Pandit, Siddharth Menon, Rishabh J. Chaddha

Indian romance Loev – pronounced ‘love’ – explores the relationship between Wall Street dealmaker Jai (Shiv Pandit) and Mumbai-based music producer Sahil (Dhruv Ganesh, who tragically passed away from tuberculosis before the film’s release). The two friends, with a complicated past, embark on a weekend getaway to the Western Ghats. Drawing heavily from the personal experiences of director Sudhanshu Saria, Loev came to life after months of crowdfunding, with a modest budget of just $1 million. Despite this, Saria crafted a stunning film, showcasing India’s scenic locations and the unmatched chemistry between Pandit and the late Ganesh. Loev won the Audience Award for Best Feature Film at the 2016 Tel Aviv International Film Festival and later gained mainstream popularity after its release on Netflix (though it has since been removed—boo!)

Love, Simon (2018)

Cast: Nick Robinson, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel, Katherine Langford, Alexandra Shipp, Jorge Lendeborg Jr, Keiynan Lonsdale

Marketed as the first major studio romantic comedy featuring two gay lead characters and a same-sex love storyline, Love, Simon was a groundbreaking achievement for queer cinema. It proved that queer stories can be not only joyous and free of trauma, but also profitable, dispelling the myths that had previously suggested otherwise. Based on Becky Albertalli’s brilliant novel Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda, the film is brimming with warm humour, emotion, and the inner turmoil many of us face when coming out to our loved ones. Paired with incredible performances from a diverse and talented cast (that scene with Jennifer Garner’s speech gets us every time!), Love, Simon felt like a defining moment not just for the queer community, but for pop culture as a whole.

Moonlight (2017)

Cast: Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, Naomie Harris, Janelle Monáe, Mahershala Ali

This trailblazing coming-of-age tale charts the life of disenfranchised African-American man Chiron (Trevante Rhodes), taking viewers through three pivotal chapters in his life. Little follows a nine-year-old Chiron as he grows up with a drug-addicted mother in a rough neighbourhood in Miami; Chiron shows his awkward and painful teenage years, including the bullying he experiences at school; and finally, Black depicts his development into a fully-grown man and the internalisation of his sexuality. Moonlight was rewarded for its brilliance with three Oscars in 2017, including Best Picture. It’s an emotional rollercoaster for any viewer, but especially for those who’ve struggled to accept themselves for who they truly are. Most importantly, it offered a rare chance for Black gay men to see themselves reflected on screen.

Monsoon (2019)

Cast: Henry Golding, Parker Sawyers, David Tran, Molly Harris, Lâm Vissay

Hong Khaou’s second feature film is absolutely gorgeous, exploring the complex relationship emigrants have with their birth country. Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding leads the film as Kit, a British-Vietnamese man who returns to Saigon for the first time in over 30 years to scatter his parents’ ashes. During his time in Saigon, Kit comes to terms with his loss, reconnects with his childhood friend Lee (David Tran), and falls for Lewis (Parker Sawyers), an American whose father fought in the Vietnam War.

My Beautiful Laundrette (1985)

Cast: Gordon Warnecke, Daniel Day-Lewis, Saeed Jaffrey, Roshan Seth, Derrick Branche

Before there was Call Me By Your Name, Moonlight, Brokeback Mountain, and other modern queer romances we’ve already mentioned here, there was My Beautiful Laundrette. Nominated for an Academy Award and a BAFTA, the film explores the complex relationships between Pakistani and English communities in Thatcher-era Britain. It follows the romantic relationship between Omar (Gordon Warnecke) and street punk Johnny (Daniel Day-Lewis) as they become joint managers of a family-owned laundrette in London.

Queer (2024)

Cast: Daniel Craig, Drew Starkey, Jason Schwartzman, Henrique Zaga, Lesley Manville, Omar Apollo

Set in 1950s Mexico City, the film centers on William Lee (Daniel Craig), an isolated expatriate who becomes infatuated with a younger man, Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), a discharged serviceman from the American Navy. Queer is based on William S. Burroughs’ 1985 short novel of the same name, exploring themes such as homosexuality, sex, and drug abuse. Although the drama underperformed at the box office, it received universal critical acclaim and earned Craig a Golden Globe nomination. Starkey’s performance was widely praised as his mainstream breakthrough. The film also made headlines for its provocative sex scenes, which featured musician Omar Apollo in his acting debut.

Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)

Cast: Taylor Zakhar Perez, Nicholas Galitzine, Clifton Collins. Jr, Sarah Shahi, Rachel Hilson, Stephen Fry, Uma Thurman, Ellie Bamber, Thomas Flynn, Malcolm Atobrah, Akshay Khanna, Sharon D. Clarke, Aneesh Sheth, Juan Castano

Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez’s “insane” chemistry in Red, White & Royal Blue caused heart palpitations in millions of queers around the world (ourselves included). Based on Casey McQuiston’s beloved novel of the same name, the Prime Video rom-com follows the star-crossed romance between a British prince (Galitzine) and the son (Zakhar-Perez) of America’s first female president (played by Kill Bill icon Uma Thurman). Thanks to its faithfulness to the source material and the undeniable chemistry between the two leads, Red, White & Royal Blue has become one of the decade’s most celebrated gay rom-coms, with fans eagerly clamouring for a sequel (again, including us). Good news: number 2 is confirmed! Visit here for everything we know so far. 

 

Supernova (2021)

CastColin Firth, Stanley Tucci, Pippa Haywood, Peter MacQueen, James Dreyfus, Ian Drysdale, Sarah Woodward

Written and directed by Harry Macqueen, Supernova stars Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci as Sam and Tusker, partners of 20 years. After Tusker is diagnosed with young-onset dementia, the couple embarks on a road trip across England in their campervan, where their differing visions for the future begin to clash. A heartbreaking exploration of dementia’s impact and a poignant portrait of a couple confronting mortality, Supernova features career-high performances from the two industry legends.

Weekend (2011)

Cast: Tom Cullen, Chris New, Jonathan Race, Laura Freeman, Loretto Murray, Jonathan Wright, Sarah Churm, Vaxuhall Jermaine, Joe Doherty, Kieran Hardcastle

Before working on All of Us Strangers and the queer HBO series Looking, director Andrew Haigh helmed the British romantic drama Weekend, which follows two men (Tom Cullen and Chris New) who meet and begin a brief but intense sexual relationship the weekend before one of them leaves the country. The film was praised for its realistic, documentary-like portrayal of a same-sex relationship, offering a queer romance largely unaffected by the omnipresent threat of homophobia or outside judgment. The nostalgia of fleeting romance and ‘what could have been’ resonates strongly with this one.

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Orville Peck named this iconic Marvel superhero as his “gay sexual awakening” https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/orville-peck-marvel-superhero-gay-sexual-awakening-gambit-x-men/ Mon, 24 Feb 2025 23:12:31 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1423069 Orville Peck opened up about his gay sexual awakening, and we couldn’t help but agree with his choice. On 21 February, the beloved singer took to his Instagram Story to…

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Orville Peck opened up about his gay sexual awakening, and we couldn’t help but agree with his choice.

On 21 February, the beloved singer took to his Instagram Story to hold a Q&A for fans.

Throughout the session, Peck answered questions about his tattoos, the designer behind his western-themed outfits, and the marketing strategy behind his critically acclaimed debut Pony.

“1. Focus all your energy on making an album that YOU love; 2. Lie to record labels to get them to listen to it; 3. Convince strangers to play in your band; 4. Book your own tour by begging,” he wrote regarding his approach to get new listeners for Pony, per Out.

However, Peck’s juiciest answer from the Q&A occurred after a fan asked who his “gay sexual awakening” was growing up.

In response, the ‘Dead of Night’ singer uploaded a photo of Gambit from the X-Men comics alongside a shrugging emoji.

Peck is one of the many members of the LGBTQIA+ community entranced by the hunky Cajun – who made his Marvel debut in The Uncanny X-Men Annual #14 in July 1990.  

When the sequel show to X-Men: The Animated SeriesX-Men ’97 –made its way to Disney+ in 2024, viewers freaked out over a scene featuring Gambit wearing a “slutty” crop top.

Instagram: Orville Peck

“No thoughts, just Gambit wearing a crop top and showing off his slutty little waist,” one viewer wrote at the time.

Another fan echoed similar sentiments, tweeting: “Crop top Gambit, you will always be famous.”

Peck’s recent Instagram Q&A comes a few weeks after it was announced that he would be making his Broadway debut in Cabaret – taking over the role of the iconic Master of Ceremonies/Emcee character from Adam Lambert.

In a statement to Variety, the ‘Happy Trails’ singer said: “I grew up as an actor and doing theater, and for a lot of people, this is a really coveted role in musical theater because it’s so open to interpretation and an incredible character. This was always a dream role of mine when I was a young actor.”

The country music star also teased that “people will have to buy a ticket to find out” whether or not he will don his signature fringe mask.

Photo: PAPER Magazine

While his 16-week engagement as the Emcee doesn’t kick off until 31 March, Peck gave fans a sneak peek into his preparation for the role with a cheeky Instagram post.

The photo carousel featured a snapshot of his Cabaret rehearsal book, a screenshot of a voice note and two mirror selfies – including one of him shirtless and seemingly maskless.

“Lots happening,” he wrote in the caption alongside an upside-down smiling emoji.

Stay tuned for more updates regarding Peck’s Cabaret journey.

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The History of Sound: Mubi acquires Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor’s gay romance drama https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/the-history-of-sound-mubi-acquires-paul-mescal-and-josh-oconnors-gay-romance-drama/ Thu, 20 Feb 2025 07:08:21 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1422562 The History of Sound has found its distributing home. Since 2021, LGBTQIA+ movie enthusiasts have eagerly awaited the release of the upcoming gay drama starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor.…

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The History of Sound has found its distributing home.

Since 2021, LGBTQIA+ movie enthusiasts have eagerly awaited the release of the upcoming gay drama starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor.

Directed by Oliver Hermanus, The History of Sound is based on the Pushcart Prize-winning novel from Ben Shattuck, a collection of 12 short stories that are set across three centuries and explores generational patterns of love and loss.

The title story follows two young men in the shadows of WWI who are determined to record the lives, voices and music of their American countrymen. Lionel (Mescal) and David (O’Connor) begin to log the events, whilst falling in love in the process.

Over the last five years, details regarding the film’s release have been kept under wraps… until now.

On 19 February, Variety revealed that streaming platform and distributor Mubi secured the North American rights to The History of Sound.

As for the film’s international release, the news outlet confirmed that Focus Features and Universal Pictures International would be leading its distribution.

In a statement, director Hermanus said he was “thrilled” over the three distributors’ involvement with The History of Sound.

“This film is a true passion project. It has been a part of my life, and the lives of Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, for the past five years, and I could not be more thrilled to have found partners in MUBI in North America and Focus and UPI internationally,” he said.

“They champion the cinema I love, and having our film as part of their family of films has made this journey all the more fruitful.”

As of writing, an official release date has yet to be announced.

However, Mubi has confirmed plans to bring The History of Sound to cinemas this year following its world premiere – which will be announced in the coming months.

The recent news comes a year after Hermanus gushed about working with Mescal and O’Connor during an interview with GAY TIMES.

“They’re on fire. I mean, they’re great friends, and they get on. They love working together. This is their first time––it just feels right,” he revealed while promoting his limited series Mary & George.

“Going to work with them feels right because they love and care about it.”

Mescal, who rose to fame with his BAFTA-winning performance in Normal People and his Oscar-nominated turn in Aftersun, made waves with LGBTQIA+ moviegoers after starring alongside Andrew Scott in the acclaimed gay romance All of Us Strangers (2023).

Before winning an Emmy and Golden Globe Award for his role as a young Charles III in Netflix’s The Crown, O’Connor had this breakthrough with Francis Lee’s lauded gay romantic drama God’s Own Country.

More recently, he starred in the queer sports dramedy Challengers alongside Zendaya and Mike Faist.

Stay tuned for more updates regarding The History of Sound.

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New report alleges Liam Payne “struggled with his sexuality” before his death https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/liam-payne-sexuality-one-direction/ Tue, 11 Feb 2025 22:45:42 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1421768 A new report has suggested that Liam Payne grappled with his sexuality before his death. On 16 October, the 31-year-old singer-songwriter tragically passed away after falling off a balcony in…

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A new report has suggested that Liam Payne grappled with his sexuality before his death.

On 16 October, the 31-year-old singer-songwriter tragically passed away after falling off a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Before his body was discovered in the hotel courtyard, police were alerted about an “aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol,” per The Guardian.

“Liam James Payne, composer and guitarist, former member of the band One Direction, died today after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Palermo,” local authorities revealed to news outlets.

Payne’s family also confirmed the news in an additional statement: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts, and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.”

Over the last few months, new information about the heartbreaking situation and Payne’s life behind the scenes has been released to the public – including the alleged inner turmoil he faced over his sexuality.

According to a recent report from Rolling Stone, a handful of sources claimed that the ‘Teardrops’ singer “wrestled with his sexual identity, compounding his struggles and leading to risky behaviour.”

In addition to allegedly contributing to his abuse of drugs and alcohol, the report suggested that Payne’s sexuality woes impacted his relationship with his ex-fiancé, Maya Henry.

“Liam struggled with his sexuality. During his relationship with Maya, he sexted men,” one source claimed.

Another insider alleged that Henry ended their relationship in 2022 due to several reasons, including Payne “revealing sexting conversations with strangers to her by accidentally broadcasting them to their TV.”

While Henry refrained from addressing specific questions pertaining to Payne, she did submit a written statement to the publication that gave a general insight into their relationship.

“I knew there were parts of himself he was struggling with– parts of his identity he wasn’t ready to fully face, even within our relationship,” she wrote.

“In the end, it wasn’t just the betrayals or the addictions that broke us–it was the realization that I had spent years in something that was never what I thought it was. I don’t fault him for his struggles.”

The recent Rolling Stone report comes a week after the 67th Grammy Awards opened up their In Memoriam section with a video tribute to Payne.

The brief video featured clips of the beloved singer performing and interacting with fans. It also included a voice-over of Payne reflecting on his career.

“I never expected any of this to happen… I actually still think about it. We’ve done some amazing things,” the late singer said.

Shortly after the show concluded, fans shared their emotional responses to the heartwarming tribute on social media.

“I can’t even get myself to accept that he’s gone. I still feel like he’s here with us,” one person wrote on X/Twitter.

Another fan echoed similar sentiments, writing: “Why did this actually hit me so hard.. as someone who used to be a die hard directioner, I still haven’t processed his passing, and I’m still in shock to this day.”

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“Coming soon:” Baby Reindeer’s Richard Gadd shares update on new HBO and BBC drama https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/baby-reindeer-richard-gadd-bbc-hbo-queer/ Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:50:58 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1421436 Richard Gadd has shared an exciting new update regarding his upcoming TV series. Back in November, it was announced that the bisexual talent was writing and starring in a new…

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Richard Gadd has shared an exciting new update regarding his upcoming TV series.

Back in November, it was announced that the bisexual talent was writing and starring in a new show for the BBC and HBO titled Half Man.

Directed by Alexandra Brodski, the six-episode series—which also stars Jamie Bell from All of Us Strangersexplores the complicated, decades-long friendship between two men.

The description reads: “Half Man follows estranged “brothers” Niall (Bell) and Ruben (Gadd). When Ruben shows up unexpectedly at Niall’s wedding, it leads to an explosion of violence that catapults us back through their lives.

“Spanning almost 40 years from the 1980s to the present day, this ambitious series will cover the highs and loves of the brothers’ relationship, from them meeting as teenagers to their falling out as adults – with all the good, bad, terrible, funny, angry, and challenging moments along the way.

“Half Man will capture the wild energy of a changing city – a changing world, even – and try to get to the bottom of the difficult question… What does it mean to be a man?”

Since the news was announced, additional details about the series have been kept under wraps… until now.

On 5 February, Gadd posted on Instagram to confirm that Half-Man had officially started filming, writing: “New content. Coming soon.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Richard Gadd (@mrrichardgadd)

The post also featured a photo of the Emmy-winning creative holding a clapper board with the show’s title.

Shortly after sharing the update, fans swarmed his comment section to express their excitement for the series.

“Can’t wait to see what’s coming next,” one person wrote, while another fan commented, “Yes, Richard can’t wait.”

Half Man is Gadd’s first series since the release of his hit Netflix dark comedy Baby Reindeer.

Based on his acclaimed one-man play and Edinburgh Fringe hit of the same name, the show dramatises the queer comedian’s harrowing true experience of being stalked by a middle-aged woman named Martha (Jessica Gunning).

Following its release, Baby Reindeer received universal acclaim from critics and viewers, with many praising the series for its dynamic story, stellar writing and standout cast performances.

In addition to securing rave reviews and a 99% certified refresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the show earned two Golden Globes and six Primetime Emmy Awards.

Stay tuned for more information about Gadd’s upcoming series Half Man.

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This Is Not A Test: Luke Macfarlane and Froy Gutierrez to star in new YA zombie thriller https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/luke-macfarlane-froy-gutierrez-zombie-horror-queer-film/ Thu, 06 Feb 2025 22:19:44 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1421439 Luke Macfarlane and Froy Gutierrez have signed on to star in the upcoming zombie film This Is Not a Test. The horror feature, based on Courtney Summers’s young adult novel…

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Luke Macfarlane and Froy Gutierrez have signed on to star in the upcoming zombie film This Is Not a Test.

The horror feature, based on Courtney Summers’s young adult novel of the same name, has been described as “The Breakfast Club meets 28 Weeks Later.”

The book description reads: “It’s the end of the world. Six students have taken cover in Cortege High but shelter is little comfort when the dead outside won’t stop pounding on the doors. One bite is all it takes to kill a person and bring them back as a monstrous version of their former self. To Sloane Price, that doesn’t sound so bad.

“Six months ago, her world collapsed and since then, she’s failed to find a reason to keep going. Now seems like the perfect time to give up. As Sloane eagerly waits for the barricades to fall, she’s forced to witness the apocalypse through the eyes of five people who actually want to live.

“But as the days crawl by, the motivations for survival change in startling ways and soon the group’s fate is determined less and less by what’s happening outside and more and more by the unpredictable and violent bids for life—and death—inside. When everything is gone, what do you hold on to?”

In addition to MacFarlane and Guitierrez, This Is Not a Test will feature Olivia Holt, who starred in Hulu’s Cruel Summer. However, according to Variety, details on the trio’s roles are being kept under wraps. 

Lastly, the film will be produced by Cbyill Lui of Anova Pictures and directed by Adam MacDonald. Principal photography will kick off in Ontario, Canada, later this month.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Froy Gutierrez (@froy)

In a statement to the aforementioned publication, Summers expressed her excitement over MacDonald and Lui adapting her hit 2012 novel.

“As a longtime horror movie fan, I’ve loved Adam MacDonald’s wildly intense and sharply realised contributions to the genre, and I’m thrilled he’s sharing his talents with This Is Not a Test,” she said.

“From its stellar script to its exciting cast, his and Cybill’s enthusiasm for the book and their passion for filmmaking has and continues to define every part of this process. I can’t wait to see the story come to life–or should I say day?- and claim its place in the zombie canon.”

In a separate statement, Lui echoed similar sentiments, describing the upcoming film as an “intense ride from beginning to end.”

“We’re dead set on making an intense, emotional, and gripping film set in the 90s as we follow our heroine’s journey and ask ourselves, what do you hold onto when everything is gone?” she added.

As of writing, a release date has not been announced.

Macfarlane is best known for his roles as Scott Wandell in Brothers and Sisters (2006-2011) and Aaron Shepard in the history-making gay romantic comedy Bros (2022).

Gutierrez memorably rose to fame after appearing in the hit MTV series Teen Wolf (2016), before starring in other fan-favourites like Cruel Summer and The Strangers: Chapter 1 (2024).

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