Language: English
Sometimes, a film doesn’t need to shout, dazzle, or flaunt its brilliance. It simply requires a soul. Cicada (2020) is precisely that kind of movie—humble, tender, and heartbreakingly real. A semi-autobiographical queer romance that doesn’t strive to impress, but instead, unfolds naturally. And that’s what makes it sting… and ultimately heal.
Two Lives, One Journey
The plot centers around Ben and Sam, two men who cross paths during a sweltering New York summer. At first, it seems like just another casual encounter—a fling, much like any other. However, as time passes, they begin to let their guards down, and their hidden scars start to emerge. Fear, shame, and vulnerability are laid bare. When you’re stripped down, physically and emotionally, there’s little to hide.
The film feels as though you’re secretly listening in on the lives of real people. The dialogue is raw, often punctuated by silence, uncomfortable pauses, and incomplete sentences. That’s exactly what gives it its authenticity.
“You little slut.”
Yes, that’s a line in the film. 😄
Yet, beneath the humor of the moment lies one of the movie’s most tender scenes—an intimate conversation about early sexual experiences, confusion, guilt, and curiosity. Cicada (2020) seamlessly navigates the delicate space between laughter and sorrow.
Performances That Feel Real, Not Performed
Matthew Fifer and Sheldon D. Brown don’t just portray Ben and Sam—they also co-wrote the story and lived through parts of it. Their chemistry doesn’t come across as scripted or rehearsed. It feels like something lived in, something real. There’s no performance here—they are the characters. And that’s what draws you in.
Not for the Masses, But for Anyone Who’s Loved
Cicada (2020) isn’t your typical choice for a movie night. It doesn’t have explosive action, no major climax, or a neatly tied-up ending. Some might find it slow or uneventful. But if you’ve ever tried to love while carrying emotional baggage, this film will feel like looking into a mirror. Raw. Imperfect. Honest.
What Left a Mark on Me
Cicada (2020) doesn’t claim to provide solutions. It doesn’t attempt to fix anything. Instead, it simply shows what happens when two people try to love while they’re still on their journey of healing. And in a world where many continue to stay silent, that’s everything.
