(Photo Credits: Screengrab from A24’s Official YouTube Account)

Daniel Craig stars in Queer, a new film directed by Luca Guadagnino, known for Call Me By Your Name. The film adapts William S. Burroughs’s novel, set in 1950s Mexico City, and centers on the character William Lee, played by Craig. Lee, an American expatriate, lives a quiet life while navigating his loneliness and longing for connection in a foreign land. Lee’s life takes a turn when he meets Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), a young American student. This encounter sparks an intense attraction and obsession, leading Lee to pursue a relationship that forces him to confront his identity, insecurities, and complex desires. Through their story, Guadagnino explores themes of yearning, isolation, and personal discovery, bringing Burroughs’s semi-autobiographical work to the screen in a thoughtful, visually captivating way.

The official synopsis of the film reads:

In 1950s Mexico City, William Lee, an American ex-pat in his late forties, leads a solitary life amidst a small American community. However, the arrival in town of Eugene Allerton, a young student, stirs William into finally establishing a meaningful connection with someone.

The cast of Queer features an impressive ensemble. Daniel Craig leads as William Lee, portraying the emotionally complex protagonist. His performance in this film is being lauded as Oscar-worthy. Meanwhile, Drew Starkey plays Eugene Allerton, the object of Lee’s intense affections. Jason Schwartzman takes on the role of Joe, while Lesley Manville appears as Dr. Cotter, a character who provides insight into Lee’s psyche. Henry Zaga is Winston Moor, and Drew Droege plays John Dumé, both adding dynamics to Lee’s social circle. Supporting roles include Ariel Schulman as Tom Weston, David Lowery as Jim Cochan, Colin Bates as Tom Williams, Ronia Ava as Joan, Perla Ambrosini as Lee’s mother, and Simon Rizzoni as a bartender. Together, the cast breathes life into Burroughs’s world, grounding the film in a mix of historical authenticity and deeply personal narrative.

Queer premiered at the Venice International Film Festival and is produced by A24, with a limited theatrical release scheduled for November 27, 2024. Fans can check platforms like Fandango to see if the movie will be available in your area. With Guadagnino’s reputation for intricate storytelling and rich visual storytelling, Queer offers a reflective look at love and identity that may resonate with audiences.

Watch the film’s official trailer below:

Happy viewing!

3.2 5 votes
Article Rating