Queer Review: Daniel Craig’s Magnetic Performance Can’t Save Meanderingly Steamy Drama [VENICE 2024]

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience navigating through the labyrinthine world of cinema, I must admit that “Queer” left me feeling rather underwhelmed. Coming off the successes of “Call Me By Your Name” and “Challengers,” I was eagerly anticipating Luca Guadagnino’s latest offering. Unfortunately, it seems that the director might have bitten off more than he could chew with this one.

Following his success with “Challengers” and “Call Me By Your Name,” director Luca Guadagnino has garnered significant acclaim in the realm of LGBTQ+ dramas. When it was revealed that he would direct “Queer,” featuring Daniel Craig, there was immediate excitement. Regrettably, the film doesn’t measure up to his past works. It portrays a profound, melancholic yearning for love, as Craig’s character yearns to be cherished in a way that none of his partners have managed. Despite the intriguing dynamic between Craig and Drew Starkey, who plays his resistant lover, the movie fails to delve deeply into their relationship. Instead, it takes an unexpected turn in the third act, focusing on a new plotline and stretching every moment with surreal, pseudo-intellectual visuals.

In the 1940s late era, William Lee (Daniel Craig), a suave gay man residing in Mexico, indulges in fleeting romances with every attractive young man he crosses paths with, secretly yearning for genuine affection and love. Upon encountering a captivating newcomer, Eugene (Drew Starkey), the attraction is intense – reminiscent of Romeo’s first sight of Juliet. However, while Lee is instantly smitten, Eugene maintains his distance, which only serves to deepen Lee’s longing for him.

Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey are stunning

In a way we haven’t seen before, Daniel Craig portrays the character Lee, displaying a heartrending yearning that overshadows his usual appealing charm. His desperation for affection towards Eugene is so intense that it seems uncontrollable. Even when he appears confident in Eugene’s feelings for him, there’s an underlying compulsion. He consistently initiates physical contact with Eugene, as if desiring to merge with him on a deeper level. Their relationship dynamic is captivating because Eugene doesn’t dislike Lee – there are instances where they seem to be enjoying each other’s company. However, Eugene is a more reserved character, and Lee persistently oversteps each boundary in his relentless pursuit of physical intimacy.

1) In my view, both characters are incredibly captivating, but the show “Queer” really shines when it delves into their relationship. No contemporary director can portray male beauty with such reverence as Luca Guadagnino, which is why actors eagerly work with him – he turns them into divine beings. The chemistry between the film’s stars and the camera is truly one-of-a-kind, showcasing Luca Guadagnino’s unique talent.

Problems translating the source material

To put it simply, the main issue with “Queer” isn’t so much Director Guadagnino’s fault, but rather that the source material, William Burroughs’ novel, doesn’t lend itself well to a full-length film adaptation. The story has a very vague plot, and it largely hinges on this one relationship for any sense of progression. Moreover, in the third act, it takes an unexpected turn, moving from post-World War II Mexico to a psychedelic jungle adventure involving ayahuasca. This sudden shift might have been innovative and edgy when Burroughs first wrote it in the early 1950s, but today, it only serves to slow down the narrative’s pace. And for a film that runs over two and a half hours long, maintaining momentum is crucial.

The story initially shows potential, particularly in its depiction of the complex relationship between Lee and Eugene. However, once it becomes clear that Lee is more committed to their relationship than Eugene, it tends to repeat these character traits excessively. Given that “Call Me by Your Name” was adapted from a 134-page novel into a rather lengthy film, there’s a sense of the narrative being expanded unnecessarily. It appears as though director Guadagnino is trying to add depth beyond the initial impact of the book, but as the movie progresses, it seems that there might not be enough substantial material to sustain its runtime.

Absolutely! The movie “Queer,” directed by Guadagnino in 2024, does feature some heated moments between Craig and Starkey, yet it may not be as revolutionary as it believes, given its contemporary setting. Burroughs’ novel “Queer,” however, was groundbreaking, with the title itself challenging societal norms that were considered taboo at the time of publication. However, the film adaptation seems somewhat outdated in comparison.

Only for diehard Guadagnino heads

Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey give outstanding performances, each immersing themselves completely in their characters. Craig manages to shine in a new way, while Starkey is quickly becoming known for his captivating leading roles that warrant more recognition. Unfortunately, the depth of their characters, especially Eugene, leaves much to be desired, as they are not fully developed. “Bones and All” might be a slight miss for Guadagnino, but those who appreciate his unique style may still find appeal in the film’s concept, despite its potential to be less accessible for casual viewers.

The film titled “Queer” made its debut at the Venice Film Festival, with plans for a wide theatrical release by A24 towards the end of 2024.

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2024-09-06 18:00