by Elizabeth Spink
The same can be said for movies about LGBTQ individuals. They serve as windows into the entire community of queer folks, as well as the private thoughts, struggles, and triumphs of individuals in this community – a group that continues its fight for equality, tolerance, and acceptance. If you want some of these insights, as well as some pretty darn good directing, acting, and artistic skill/creativity, then give one or more of these five films a “look-see.”
It’s the 1950s in New York City. Carol, trapped in a loveless marriage, goes to the toy department of a department store to buy her daughter a Christmas gift. There she meets Therese, a much younger girl, and aspiring photographer. Their worlds could not be more different. Ultimately, the two begin a lesbian relationship, while Carol enters into a nasty divorce and custody battle over her daughter. Ultimately, this issue causes a breakup. But even more conclusively, there is a happy ending.
This film provides lots of insights into traditional societal stigmas about homosexuality. But more than that, it is a story of courage that two women have to step away from societal norms to be who they really are. It’s much more than a mere queer love story.
Johnny hates his life. Living on a livestock farm in northern England with his parents, he is now in charge of caring for that livestock due to his father’s stroke. He is a drunk and gay, neither quality of which endears him to his parents or the small nearby town. He has an outlet for drink but not for his “gayness.” His parents hire a young Romanian immigrant with livestock experience to help Johnny, who is pretty much indifferent to the whole thing. Together, they must travel to a remote part of the farm, and it is there that the physical and emotional bonds explode. It’s a “game changer” for both men who come to discover what their real values are. And it’s transformative for Johnny who you will actually come to like a lot. Their journey to who they are is inspiring and not just relevant to gay men.
Blue is the Warmest Color (2013)
Coming of age stories are a frequent theme in film. But this one is specifically about LGBTQ youth. Adele “feels” that she is a lesbian (she is attracted only to girls) but is afraid to verbalize any of this to her friends and family who live in the stereotypical heterosexual “world.” Too bad she didn’t have Taimi, an online dating app just for this purpose. Ultimately, this high schooler enters a relationship with college student Emma. Over several years in this relationship, Adele and Emma both grow, as they face struggles and challenges, but Adele more so. She emerges as a strong, secure, and independent young lady, comfortable in her own skin.
This movie is not just about lesbian love. It is about the journeys of all teens who search for who they are and who they will become as adults. For Adele, the journey may differ in detail, but it is the same one.
A film set in modern-day Italy but with all of the cinematography of the country’s rich history. Elio Perlman is living there with his father, a professor of archeology, and mother, a translator. They are a typical Jewish family. As he does every summer, the professor hosts a grad student to help with his research. Enter Oliver. After initial friction, and amidst sexual encounters with females, Elio and Oliver develop a sexual relationship too. Are they bi-sexual? Probably. But for Elio, his stronger feelings are for Oliver. The summer ends, and Oliver returns to his grad studies in America, leaving Elio alone with his grief. There is one final communication between the two, via telephone during the Chanukah holiday.
Is this a sad ending? Perhaps. But Elio’s father, who has known all along, advises his son to hold onto the joyful memories of a love that may never be equaled.
Is this just a sad story of unrequited love? No. First, it approaches the subject of bi-sexuality. Second, it has amazing cinematography. Third, it is a story of the conflicting emotions that young people (and adults) experience as they engage in relationships with others.
Simon is a gay teen facing some challenges – fear of coming out and facing the disdain of his classmates, the shock of his parents, and the isolation that will be his destiny. All of this is in a typical suburban high school with the same typical “cast of characters” – parties, music, clueless teachers and administrators, and such. Ultimately, as “Jacques,” Simon begins an online relationship with fellow student “Blue,” also gay, but whose identity is totally secret, even to Simon. Things are further complicated by another student who has discovered the digital romance and threatens to expose Simon. If you’re into romantic comedy with the serious twist of a young man struggling to be who he is in a judgmental society, this would be a great pick.
LGBTQ MOVIES 2022 Releases
There is much more on board for release in 2022. Stay tuned.