Pride 2024: A Q+ Celebration!
June 25
Passages
Passages is a captivating drama that explores the complexities of love, desire, and identity within a tumultuous romantic triangle. Directed by Ira Sachs, the film stars Franz Rogowski, Ben Whishaw, and Adèle Exarchopoulos, who deliver powerful performances that bring depth and nuance to their characters’ intricate relationships.
The story revolves around Tomas (Rogowski), a filmmaker who becomes romantically involved with a young woman named Agathe (Exarchopoulos) while still married to his husband, Martin (Whishaw). As Tomas navigates his conflicting emotions and desires, the film delves into the dynamics of their relationships, exposing the fragility and resilience of love. Martin and Agathe find themselves entangled in Tomas’ emotional turmoil, each grappling with their feelings of betrayal, longing, and the search for stability.
Sachs masterfully portrays the fluidity of sexual identity and the complexities of human connections, avoiding easy categorizations and instead focusing on the raw, often messy reality of intimate relationships. The film’s candid exploration of bisexuality and the blurred lines between love and lust provides a refreshing and authentic perspective on modern romance.
Passages is a poignant and thought-provoking film that challenges traditional notions of fidelity and partnership. It invites viewers to reflect on the nature of love and the ways in which we navigate our desires and commitments. With its compelling narrative and standout performances, Passages offers a moving and insightful cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll.
Where to watch? Passages is available to stream on Prime Video.
Eyewitness
Eyewitness is a gripping American crime drama that is an adaptation of the Norwegian show of the same name. The series, set in a small town, centers on two teenage boys, Philip and Lukas, whose lives are turned upside down after they secretly witness a brutal murder. Set in a small, picturesque town, the series explores themes of identity, secrecy, and the far-reaching consequences of a single, horrifying event.
Philip (Tyler Young) is a quiet, introspective foster kid who finds solace in his secret relationship with Lukas (James Paxton), a popular motocross rider struggling with his sexuality. One fateful night, while the boys are in a secluded cabin, they witness a shocking multiple murder. Terrified of being outed and fearing for their lives, they vow to keep what they saw a secret. However, as the investigation intensifies, their silence becomes increasingly dangerous, as the killer closes in on them, suspecting they might have witnessed his crime.
The show skillfully weaves together the personal struggles of Philip and Lukas with the high-stakes murder investigation led by Helen Torrance (Julianne Nicholson), the local sheriff and Philip’s foster mother. Helen’s relentless pursuit of the truth puts her on a collision course with the boys’ desperate attempts to keep their secret, creating a tense and emotionally charged narrative. The series also explores Helen’s own complex past and the toll that the case takes on her personal life.
Eyewitness offers a compelling mix of suspense, drama, and emotional depth. It shines a light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth, the impact of trauma, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones. The adaptation stays true to the original’s intense atmosphere while adding its unique flair, making it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and those interested in complex, character-driven stories.
Where to watch? Eyewitness is available to stream on Prime Video and Vudu in some regions and the USA Network in the US. The series can also be purchased on YouTube TV, Google Play, and Amazon.
Girls at The Edge of the World by Laura Brooke Robson
Girls at the Edge of the World by Laura Brooke Robson is a captivating dystopian novel set in a world on the brink of destruction. The story follows two young women, Eliza and Lia, as they navigate the impending apocalypse and their own personal struggles. Eliza, a skilled flyer in an elite aerial performance troupe, dreams of joining the King’s court to secure safety for herself and her sister. Lia, on the other hand, is a prophet’s daughter, determined to save her people from the rising floodwaters.
As the end of the world looms closer, Eliza and Lia’s paths cross in unexpected ways. Eliza is focused on perfecting her performance to gain the King’s favor, but her plans are disrupted when she meets Lia, whose prophetic visions offer a different perspective on survival. Their burgeoning relationship becomes a beacon of hope and strength as they confront the harsh realities of their world.
The novel masterfully explores themes of love, loyalty, and resilience in the face of catastrophe. Robson’s richly imagined world and complex characters draw readers into a story that is both thrilling and deeply emotional. The tension between Eliza’s pragmatic approach to survival and Lia’s faith-driven determination adds depth to their dynamic, making their journey all the more compelling.
Girls at the Edge of the World is a powerful tale of courage and connection, highlighting the importance of finding hope and forging bonds even when everything seems to be falling apart. Robson’s debut novel is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and those who enjoy stories of strong, determined young women fighting for their place in a world on the edge.
Where to buy? Girls at The Edge of the World is available at all reputable booksellers.
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