Luca Guadagnino's latest film, Queer, has sparked significant buzz since its limited theatrical release on November 17, 2024. Known for crafting intimate and evocative narratives, Guadagnino returns with this adaptation of William S. Burroughs' novel, blending themes of identity, desire, and the intricacies of human relationships set against the backdrop of 1950s Mexico City.
The film stars Daniel Craig as William Lee, an American expatriate wrestling with his sexuality and struggling with addiction. His solitary life transforms upon meeting Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), offering Lee, for the first time, the possibility of genuine connection. Critically, Craig's performance has garnered praise, earning him nominations for both Best Male Actor at the Golden Globe Awards and the Critics' Choice Awards.
Guadagnino's Queer is being recognized as one of his best works to date, capturing the essence of loneliness, yearning, and the human condition. The director's unique ability to translate emotional depth onto the screen creates riveting moments, which have been described as equal parts provocative and poignant. According to The Numbers, the film has grossed approximately $3.6 million worldwide, with reports indicating it had about $50 million budget before prints and advertising costs. While the box office figures might seem modest compared to blockbuster standards, they highlight the film's niche appeal.
Following its theatrical run, Queer is expected to debut on digital streaming platforms on January 14, 2025. It will be available for digital purchase on platforms like Prime Video, AppleTV, and VUDU, with rental options anticipated at around $19.99.
Critics have responded with mixed reviews. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 77% approval rating based on 193 reviews, reflecting the divide among audiences and critics. The consensus states, ‘A phantasmagorical distillation of William S. Burroughs' preoccupations that's by turns meandering and vitally engaging.’ Positive reviews, such as those from Peter Travers of ABC News and David Fear of Rolling Stone, laud Craig's performance as transformative for the actor, stepping away from his iconic James Bond persona to explore more complicated emotional landscapes.
Contrastingly, some critics express dissatisfaction with the film’s pacing and narrative structure. The Boston Globe's Odie Henderson and New York Magazine's Alison Willmore offer critiques pointing to what they perceive as disjointed storytelling and excessive reliance on its salacious premise to engage viewers.
The film's visual appeal and atmospheric depth are undeniable, with cinematography from Sayombhu Mukdeeprom. Critics describe the film as ‘a visual masterpiece,’ with fluid scenes capturing Lee's emotional turmoil illustrated through vibrant imagery of Mexico City. The soundtrack, composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, also contributes significantly to the film's mood, featuring tracks like Nirvana's 'Come as You Are' to create intense emotional resonance.
Through three acts, Queer invites viewers to examine not just Lee's struggles but also the broader societal constraints faced by LGBTQ+ individuals during the era. The film ventures beyond surface-level storytelling, dipping deeply to explore the themes of reality versus fantasy, desire, and the often-painful search for acceptance.
With humor woven throughout, including unexpected comedic moments brought by Jason Schwartzman’s character, there are elements of lightness offered to counterbalance the film’s heavy themes. This delicate blend of humor, eroticism, and psychological insight perhaps provides the film with its unique character as it navigates life’s darker passages.
Whether receiving acclaim or criticism, it’s clear Guadagnino has once again sparked discourse through this rich and immersive cinematic experience. Queer showcases the director's flair for intimate storytelling and emphasizes the complexity of his characters, promising audiences both reflection and engagement. The film not only seeks to entertain but also to make statements on identity, love, and the human experience.
For those yet to see it, Queer awaits on digital platforms soon, just as it continues to resonate well beyond its theatrical run, inviting spectators to join Lee on his tumultuous yet enthralling path through desire and the longing for connection.