This film has been a hot topic for many reasons. With Daniel Craig playing a gay character and the direction handled by the same filmmaker behind Call Me By Your Name, the expectations were understandably sky-high. Regrettably, I have to admit that the film ended up feeling deeply disappointing. By the time the film neared its conclusion, I had lost all investment, which is truly unfortunate.
The story, Queer, is set in Mexico City in the 1950s. It follows William Lee, a homosexual American expat, who is struggling with opioid addiction and aimlessly drifting through the local bar scene, hoping to find fleeting connections with younger men. He’s desperately searching for validation, craving moments of love to temporarily free him from his invisibility and isolation. When he encounters Eugene, a former American soldier, William believes he has finally found the deep connection he’s been longing for. William becomes completely consumed by the idea of being close to Eugene, his desire evident in the way he awkwardly tries to communicate his feelings, through nervous glances and tentative gestures. At one point, he even seeks reassurance from his one queer friend, asking if Eugene might share his feelings. The two begin spending time together, but it quickly becomes clear that Eugene doesn’t feel the same way. They do become physically intimate, and while it’s initially passionate, William’s obsession spirals into an addiction. Unable to distinguish between healthy longing and unhealthy obsession, he loses himself in a delusional hope, clinging to a dream that consumes him entirely. Despite their age and romantic differences, William seeks something more from Eugene—a deeper, telepathic connection. Over months and years, they embark on a turbulent, sometimes combative, spiritual journey within the small American expat community in Mexico City. This eventually leads them into the thick jungles of South America, which is where the movie completely lost me.
The major issue I had with the film is that, aside from the first half, it failed to connect emotionally. The second half, set in South America, transitions into an adventure fantasy film, which didn’t sit well with me at all. It felt like watching two entirely different movies, leaving me confused by the sudden shift in tone and direction. I struggled to grasp the artistic exploration of love beyond sexual identity through the lens of a fractured, devastating relationship. Perhaps the intention was to showcase how addiction can cloud one’s consciousness after years of substance abuse, but by this point, I just couldn’t bring myself to care. The film’s failure to fully develop its protagonist’s inner turmoil feels like a major shortcoming, a missed opportunity for deeper emotional exploration. Daniel Craig, however, delivers a compelling portrayal of self-destruction driven by profound loneliness. His performance is particularly strong when the film delves into William’s routine of numbing himself with substances, constantly seeking highs while engaging in casual sex. His infatuation with Eugene is both awkward and captivating to watch, drawing you into the complexities of his emotional turmoil. Eugene, the object of William’s obsession, is perfectly cast. His aloofness and reluctance to engage emotionally—either physically or otherwise—creates a sense of mystery that keeps you intrigued. The actor masterfully carries an air of youthful charm, combined with a dark, enigmatic gaze that leaves the audience on edge.
Unfortunately, despite having very high hopes for this film, those expectations came crashing down midway through the story, and they were never fully revived.
