Jump to the good stuff: The Review | The Final Verdict
The Review:
I Am Syd Stone is a gay drama about an actor struggling with celebrity and his suppressed sexuality.
Syd Stone (Travis Nelson) is a popular young actor filming his latest movie in a small town. His agent, Geri (Francine Deschepper), has a new script that she wants him to read, but for some reason he refuses to look at. Instead, he brushes her off, doesn’t answer her calls, and lies about having read it.
When Syd’s not working, he spends his time in the hotel. He’s quiet and keeps to himself. One night while sitting at the bar, he strikes up a conversation with Matt (Benjamin Charles Watson), a lawyer staying at the hotel. Unlike most people, Matt doesn’t seem to realize who he is. And when Matt asks him what he does for work, Syd tells him that he’s a gopher for the film crew. Matt believes him. And as the conversation continues, it’s obvious that Syd is relishing the anonymity.
The sudden friendship between Syd and Matt is odd, yet believable. Matt seems intrigued by this handsome man paying attention to him, and Syd gets some time away from his reality. The only things that not clear is if Syd is flirting with Matt. And when the two men go for a late-night swim in the hotel pool, Matt gets up the nerve to kiss Syd. The kiss goes well, and they end up making out until a group of hotel guests arrive and Syd quickly pulls away.
When one of the guests asks to have her picture taken with Syd, it becomes obvious that Syd is more than just a common lay person. It also gives Matt a good reason for why Syd quickly broke from their passionate poolside moment.
Nelson does a decent job portraying the emotionally challenged Syd Stone. Syd is secretive because he’s confused; gets angry because he’s afraid; and reaches out to Matt because he needs to experience desire. Syd is the type of character who is either the good guy or the villain, hardly ever the in between. And that’s what makes I am Syd Stone so interesting.
When Syd’s girlfriend, Rachel (Daiva Johnston), shows up unannounced, things start to get complicated for Syd. Although it’s obvious that Rachel is a means for Syd to confront his truth and come clean, it’s handled well. Neither Nelson nor Johnston have the acting prowess to elevate their scenes, but they do a decent job making their characters believable.
I Am Syd Stone has a casual pacing that works. It lulls you into the story while holding your interest. The acting isn’t bad–the film would be unwatchable with truly dreadful actors–but it does make me wonder how much better this would be with a more experienced cast. The movie is good enough that this doesn’t ruin it, it’s just a thought.
The Final Verdict:
I Am Syd Stone is a decent movie for those who enjoy a slow-paced character study. The story will hold your interest and make up for its shortcomings.
