Toronto International Film Festival Debuts New LGBTQ+ Movies
Entertainment
The annual Toronto International Film Festival took place between September 8th–18th this year, unveiling a number of brand-new LGBTQ+ movies. From adaptations of beloved classic novels to revolutionary steps in queer casting, the response to these new releases so far is indicative of the gradual progression of LGBTQ+ representation in the film industry. Here are five LGBTQ+ movies that debuted at this year’s festival to watch out for in cinemas and on streaming platforms in the following months.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
The long-awaited adaption of an award-winning LGBTQ+ novel is almost here. Set in 1980s Texas, this is a story of companionship, friendship and love between two Mexican-American teenage boys: Aristotle and Dante. With intimate discussions about life, poetry, family and self-discovery, this soft queer romance is being adapted to the screen by trans director/writer Aitch Alberto.
Max Pelayo makes his movie-screen debut as the reserved Aristotle, opposite Reese Gonzales as his eccentric partner in crime, Dante. The 2012 novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz has a huge fan following, recently reinvigorated by the publication of the 2021 sequel ‘Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World’, that eagerly await the release of the big screen production.
A public release date has not yet been confirmed.
My Policeman
With slightly less fanfare than the simultaneous debut of ‘Don’t Worry Darling’, the second Harry Styles-led movie of 2022 ‘My Policeman’ was screened at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Based on the novel of the same name, the movie is set in 1950s Brighton and follows Styles and co-stars David Dawson and Emma Corrin in a queer romance drama full of secrets, regret and reparations.
During a panel at the Festival, the former One Direction member explained how this production’s plot moved him, The Washington Post reports: “The whole story is about wasted time, and I think wasted time is the most devastating thing.” He went on to suggest how this film could impact all its viewers in some way stating: “It's the only thing we cannot control. It’s the one thing you can’t have back. The one thing that I think matters - whatever kind of life you’ve lived - at the end when you think back on time with people you love.”
My Policeman will be released globally on Amazon Prime on November 4th, 2022.
Something You Said Last Night
Transgender writer and director Luis De Filippis’ debut feature film Something You Said Last Night has wowed critics and earned approval for its authentic portrayal of a trans woman’s experience. The story takes place during a family vacation, focusing on the very reluctant protagonist Renatta and her relationship with her mother Mona, Guido father, and equally unenthusiastic sister Sienna. Rather than following clichés and stereotypes often found in trans stories, the heart of Luis De Filippis’ story comes in the form of Renatta’s interaction and relationship with her overzealous family.
Gay City News provides a preview of the upcoming drama to entice viewers, promising a unique production for its trans audience: “Something You Said Last Night” features strong, lived-in performances by the ensemble cast as the characters all work through their pain and struggles, but it is the subtlety of the storytelling that makes this film so quietly powerful.”
A public release date has not yet been announced.
Queens of the Qing Dynasty
This moving character piece features Sarah Walker in her debut role as 19-year-old Star, a girl recovering from a recent suicide attempt. Helping her to heal is a genderqueer immigrant worker, An. The film encourages strangeness, embracing the differences we have with each other, and how we rely on a shared, empathetic, human experience.
Zheng Ziyin's performance as An has already received praise from critics, with director Ashely McKenzie bringing a unique dynamic to their relationship with the protagonist. Until recently, prominent genderqueer representation in film has been very limited. But Ziyin's character joins the gradually growing list of characters that don’t fit into a binary, offering portrayals of identities that have been ignored for far too long.
A public release date has not yet been announced.
Bros
Comedian Billy Eichner co-wrote, executively produced and stars in the lead role of this upcoming queer romantic comedy, taking a look at the LGBTQ+ community in 2022 and how to navigate it. Already receiving praise for its groundbreaking inclusion within the cast and crew, the New York Times reports this will be the first major studio film to feature an entirely LGBTQ+ main cast.
Eichner plays Bobby Lieber, a museum creator who is self-assured in his identity and sexuality, but still deals with insecurities and lacks confidence. The film follows Lieber as he is chosen to write a queer romcom whilst trying to work on developing his love life. With a positive reception at the Toronto International Film Festival, Billy Eichner discussed how the movie will impact the LGBTQ+ community in an unprecedented way. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he commented:
“There are no stories about us (LGBTQ+ people) falling in love, navigating love, dating, relationships, and you don’t realize what you haven’t gotten until you finally see it. This is an event. It’s the first of its kind. You can feel that in the theater when you’re watching it.”
Bros will be released in cinemas in the United States on September 8th, and in UK cinemas on October 28th, 2022.
Read related myGwork articles here:
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