Review of Queer
Queer will open in theaters at a date TBD. This review is based on a screening at the 81st Venice International Film Festival.
Luca Guadagnino’s latest film, Queer, may appear to be a simple tale of desire at first glance. However, it delves into the works of Beat Generation author William S. Burroughs in a captivating manner. Despite being trimmed down to a 2-hour and 15-minute runtime, the film takes viewers on a journey that may seem slow in the middle section but culminates in a beautifully abstract final act that resonates long after the credits roll.
Starring Daniel Craig as William Lee, a middle-aged American navigating the queer scene in 1940s Mexico City, Queer captures the nuances of Lee’s search for connection amidst his opiate addiction. His encounters with fellow American Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey) lead to a complex relationship that falls short of Lee’s idealized fantasies.
As Lee and Allerton embark on a quest to the Amazon rainforest in search of a mysterious drug, the film explores themes of loneliness and the desire for telepathic communication. Craig’s portrayal of Lee, inspired by Burroughs’ own experiences, delivers a nuanced performance that evolves from overbearing to vulnerable.
Guadagnino’s adaptation of Queer draws from Burroughs’ personal life and literary works, creating a tribute that blurs the lines between fiction and reality. The film delves into the depths of Burroughs’ psyche, exploring painful truths that resonate throughout the narrative.
Visually striking and emotionally resonant, Queer weaves a narrative of existential longing through its exploration of love, drugs, and intimacy. The film’s meandering moments ultimately contribute to its overall impact, adding layers of depth to the overarching themes.
A standout element of the film is the tangible presence of the drug yage, which serves as a catalyst for hallucinatory sequences that bind the characters together in profound ways. Sayombhu Mukdeeprom’s cinematography elevates the storytelling, capturing both the subtle nuances and dramatic flourishes of Guadagnino’s vision.
In the end, Queer is a poignant homage to Burroughs’ life and work, offering a compelling examination of desire, connection, and the eternal search for meaning.