Pride 2024: A Q+ Celebration!
June 11
Our Dining Table
Our Dining Table is adapted for the screen from the popular manga titled Bokura no Shokutaku by Mita Ori. The Boy’s Love industry is thriving right now, but we think you’ll agree that there’s just something about Japanese BL that hits differently. The protagonist, Hozumi Yutaka (Inukai Atsuhiro) has been through some things. The young man is definitely carrying around a trauma which makes it difficult for him to eat in front of others.
When cute, little Ueda Tane (Maeyama Kuuga) walks up to him outside one day, Yutaka ends up giving the child a riceball to eat, making the child quite happy indeed. The riceball makes such an impression on the child, that Tane then pesters his older brother to take him back to the spot where they ran into Tutaka so they can ask him questions about the riceball.
Throughout the exchange, Tane’s older brother Minoru (Iijima Hiroki) invites Yutaka to come to their house so he can demonstrate how the riceball is made. Minoru doesn’t really think the man will show up but is pleasantly surprised when he does. It’s here, in the comfort of Minoru and Tane’s home that Yutaka is able to conquer his insecurities, open himself up to their warmth and companionship, and overcome his past trauma.
The bond that forms between Minoru and Yutaka will melt your heart in the same way that the sun melts butter. The emotional, sensitive intimacy that develops between them is so utterly wholesome that you’ll finish the season begging for more. Each episode carries a unique message about self-love, building self-esteem, and the importance of interpersonal relationships for the health of our souls.
As if that wasn’t already enough, the addition of the cute kid to the mix really sweetens the deal. Classy, delicate, and beautiful, Our Dining Table is a quick watch with a long-lasting impression.
Where to watch? Our Dining Table is available to stream on YouTube for free.
The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez
The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez is an epic fantasy that immerses readers in a richly woven tale of rebellion, love, and mythology. The narrative, presented through the second person, draws the reader into the Inverted Theater, a dreamlike realm where the protagonist learns about his lineage and the history of his people. Guided by his lola, the protagonist holds an intricately carved spear, a significant heirloom central to the story.
The novel chronicles the last days of the Moon Emperor and his three sons, the Three Terrors, over a period of five days. The Moon God, appearing in the withered form of an elderly woman, empowers two young men, Keema and Jun, to restore her to her lover, the vast Sea. Keema, a one-armed warrior, and Jun, a son who betrays his imperial family, form a bond that evolves from distrust to a profound love story, adding a powerful layer of LGBTQ+ representation.
As Keema and Jun journey together, they confront each of the Three Terrors, facing numerous challenges. The relationship between the two men becomes a central focus, highlighted by moments of intense physical and emotional intimacy. This portrayal of queer romance enriches the narrative, providing a deep exploration of love and identity.
The storytelling within the Inverted Theater reveals the protagonist’s connection to the spear and the Moon God’s origin story. Her transformation from a divine being to a mortal empress is filled with symbolism and history, adding depth to the mythology. Jimenez’s lyrical and evocative writing blends battle scenes, tender moments, and philosophical reflections, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.
The Spear Cuts Through Water stands out in speculative fiction, combining mythic storytelling with deeply human themes. Its intricate plot, compelling characters, and beautiful prose make it a remarkable work that resonates on multiple levels, celebrating love, identity, and the enduring power of storytelling.
Where to buy? The Spear Cuts Through Water is available to purchase at all reputable booksellers.
I Care A Lot
I Care a Lot is a 2020 dark comedy thriller directed by J Blakeson, featuring Rosamund Pike in a standout role as Marla Grayson, a cunning and ruthless legal guardian who exploits the legal system to defraud elderly people under her care. The film takes audiences on a twisted journey into the world of guardianship abuse and the lengths people will go to for greed and power.
Marla Grayson is a highly successful and unscrupulous court-appointed guardian who targets wealthy seniors and manipulates legal loopholes to gain control over their lives and assets. Assisted by her partner Fran (Eiza González), a former girlfriend, Marla presents herself as a compassionate advocate for the elderly while actually exploiting and profiting from their vulnerability.
The story takes a dark turn when Marla targets Jennifer Peterson (Dianne Wiest), a seemingly perfect and wealthy retiree with no living relatives. However, Jennifer is not what she seems, and Marla quickly realizes she has stepped into a dangerous game with unexpected consequences. Jennifer’s connections and secrets draw Marla into a web of deceit and violence involving powerful figures, including a gangster named Roman Lunyov (Peter Dinklage).
As Marla navigates the escalating threats and challenges posed by Jennifer and Roman, the film delves into themes of greed, manipulation, and the abuse of authority. Marla’s cunning and ruthlessness are put to the test as she faces off against formidable adversaries while trying to protect her own interests.
I Care a Lot is a gripping and morally complex film that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its unpredictable twists and turns. Rosamund Pike delivers a compelling and chilling performance as Marla Grayson, a character who blurs the lines between protagonist and antagonist in a story that challenges conventional notions of justice and morality.
Where to watch? I Care a Lot is available to stream on Netflix and Prime Video, depending on the region.
Happy Pride 2024! Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!
