Claire and Gavia discuss Gus Van Sant’s iconic queer drama My Own Private Idaho (1991), loosely based on Shakespeare’s Henriad plays. River Phoenix stars as a hustler in Portland, Oregon, who sets off on a journey in search of his long-lost mother, accompanied by best friend and fellow hustler Keanu Reeves.
Read MoreClaire and Gavia discuss the 1985 lesbian romance movie Desert Hearts, directed by Donna Deitch. Set in 1950s Nevada, this groundbreaking film follows a whirlwind relationship between a soon-to-be-divorced New York academic (Helen Shaver) and a devil-may-care casino worker (Patricia Charbonneau).
Among other topics, this episode covers Desert Hearts’ relationship with 1950s romance movies, its unique place in queer film history, and its pitch-perfect lead characters.
Read MoreClaire and Gavia discuss the sweatiest film phenomenon of 2024: Luca Guadagnino's tennis drama Challengers, starring Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor as three athletes embroiled in a love triangle. Among other topics, we cover the star power of the lead actors, the film's already-iconic music, and Guadagnino's distinctive way of depicting sexuality and relationships.
Read MoreClaire and Gavia review Ira Sachs’ acclaimed new romantic drama Passages, starring Franz Rogowski, Ben Whishaw and Adele Exarchopoulos. Among other topics, this episode covers the film's refreshing attitude to queer identity, its best-of-the-year costume design, and its thoughtfully choreographed sex scenes.
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