Luca Guadagnino embraces body horror and cosmic intervention in his latest foray into queer romance with Daniel Craig at his very best
There was this fear recently that films nowadays were averse to sex. It doesn’t help that Gen Z have been quite vocal in being against the necessity of sex scenes and nudity in film. Unless there’s a plot sex scenes shouldn’t exist. Perhaps a cynical way of perceiving the essence of sex and the human body. Usually it is defined as a vital part of exploring the human condition and our many forms of connection. Creatives could argue, to defile that or to erase its existence is to forsake part of what gives human relationships their colour and warmth. And ultimately, their humanity.
Adapted from the book by author William S. Burroughs, Luca Guadagnino is presented with the challenge of peering into the soul of a man’s own universe. This film is more than just a laboured journey of love and desire. It’s about an American man known as William Lee (Daniel Craig) who resides in post-World War II Mexico City, yearning to fill the empty void in his heart. A particular question is asked throughout the film. “Are you queer?” It’s clear that Lee struggles with connection and seeks to find someone who can understand his desires. He can’t bear the thought of being alone in his lusting chase for men. With a student arriving to town, we see Eugen Albert (Drew Starkey) enter into Lee’s life, invading every corner of his mind.
At first we get the impression that Eugene has interest in Lee at the bar when he sits down and they stare at each other across the room only to find out he’s been waiting for his lady friend, disappointing Lee who takes it out on another young man. This is where the film takes shape as Lee and Eugen gradually develop continued interest in each other and form the basis of their situationship turned spiritual path to enlightenment in the Ecuadorian rainforest by the end where Lee goes from taking drugs to traversing the jungle like Indiana Jones.
Luca has always been known to play around with his final acts but Queer may arguably be his greatest detour. He ventures into a spiritual path for Lee and Eugen as they embark on a quest like Raiders of the Lost Ark where its life and death, and the universe falls within distance. In a way, the film departs from any previous structure or form to become uninhibited and cosmic in its embrace. It soon becomes clear what Luca is striving to achieve. Loneliness and yearning are but a state one feels as they try to make sense of their place in this universe. The closer you get to the truth, the more confusing it becomes. The answer remains unclear and you’re only left with more questions, unable to grasp what the eyes see, very 2001: A Space Odyssey esque with a touch of Luca.
Daniel Craig gives a terrific performance in displaying the raw tenderness and vulnerability of a man, wandering aimlessly in search of his self. For a man that plays the cool, composed James Bond and the suave Benoit Blanc, he is anything but that here and its a refreshing change of pace for a decorated actor who just might have given his career best work yet. Drew Starkey performs with finesse and calmness to form a warm dynamic, it feels like a breakthrough act and he’s one to be observed in the near future.
Overall, Queer is a psychosexual odyssey of a man aching with desire, spiritually disembodied by crushing loneliness. Luca Guadagnino directs this with a committed mind, willing to meander and lose himself as he explores Lee’s stream of consciousness. Beautifully shot and scored, may even be Luca’s best looking film.
The final third will split viewers with the surrealism and body horror but it’s these big swings that truly make a director stand out. And as a seasoned artist, going out of your comfort zone in this fashion demonstrates immense artistic courage. To release this film and Challengers in the same year speaks to Luca’s work ethic and dedication to the medium.
Queer is out now in UK and US cinemas
