Jason
@lewishamdreamer.bsky.social
4y ago
A sweet if occasionally over earnest gay look at strangers meeting and connecting for just one day, with what feels like a very Richard Linklater vibe. Tonally it’s lovely and Matthew Morrison and Alexis Koutsoulis have an undoubted chemistry - the progression of their relationship is nicely organic and writer (with Hannah Renton)/director Daniel Sanchez López brings out almost improvised performances, which may account for the sometimes overly knowing dialogue. The questions their time together poses are interesting, especially for a gay community at odds about relationship openness and it’s a little disappointing that more isn’t made of the grey area both boys find themselves in in the last act. Who are we as gay men if sex isn’t the priority? What do our relationships looks like, what can they be like? Where does love fit in? Sanchez López gives connection and love a deeply convincing investigation, and it feels like locating the film in Berlin gives it added urgency. There are few stakes either Harry or Johannes face until the last act, and it’s to the cast and crew’s credit that they dodge obvious sentimental traps. As thoughtful a film as this deserves a larger audience than it’ll receive (Covid notwithstanding).
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