Luca Guadagnino’s latest film, Queer, is an ambitious adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ 1985 novella, starring Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey. Set in 1950s Mexico City, the film explores themes of sexuality, addiction, and self-discovery through the lens of two gay men attempting to escape their pasts while navigating the intense emotional landscapes of love and desire.
Craig, departing from his well-known roles in the James Bond and Knives Out series, portrays William Lee, a character based on Burroughs himself. Lee is a troubled figure who, following a drug bust, dives into Mexico City’s bohemian subculture, eventually meeting Eugene Allerton (played by Starkey). Their complex, sometimes painful relationship is central to the story, offering raw depictions of intimacy against the surreal, almost dreamlike backdrop Guadagnino is known for.
Queer has been lauded for its honest portrayal of male sexuality and for challenging mainstream depictions of romance, with the film unabashedly presenting both physical and emotional vulnerability. Guadagnino’s choice to blend surrealism with reality creates a narrative space where love and self-doubt intertwine. The film’s early, three-and-a-half-hour cut has since been reduced to a 135-minute runtime, preserving its emotional depth and Guadagnino’s signature style.
The film represents a significant shift for Craig, while Starkey steps into the spotlight with a mature and nuanced role that expands beyond his previous work. Released by A24 with a limited theatrical debut on November 27, Queer is positioned as a groundbreaking portrayal of LGBTQ+ love, bound to resonate with audiences and critics alike for its boldness and unique narrative perspective.
Queer captures raw intimacy and self-discovery, following two men’s complex love story amid addiction and societal constraints, set against Guadagnino’s surreal, evocative Mexico City backdrop.
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