After having posted one LGBT indie movie for a week on my social media, I started thinking about queer movies that may have slipped below the radar. These are films that people don’t often talk about but are worth seeing at least once.
Below is a list of 10 movies that are must-see for people who enjoy queer cinema. How many have you seen?
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Sunday Bloody Sunday is a 1971 British drama about a love triangle between a divorced woman, Alex Greville (Glenda Jackson), a doctor, Daniel Hirsh (Peter Finch), and a young artist, Bob Elkin (Murray Head). If you enjoy a subtle drama that will make you think, Sunday Bloody Sunday is for you.
You can read my review of Sunday Bloody Sunday here.
Peter von Kant
Peter von Kant is a beautiful, thought provoking, and highly entertaining film. Even if you have not seen the movie it’s based on (The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant), you will enjoy it.
You can read my revie of Peter von Kant here.
Chrissy Judy
Chrissy Judy is about a thirtysomething drag queen forced to reinvent himself in the face of diversity. It depicts gay life and relationships in a way that’s honest and surprisingly touching.
You can read my review of Chrissy Judy here.
Port Authority
Port Authority is a drama about a troubled young man in New York City falling in love with a transgender woman. It’s gritty realness, well developed script, and smart directing make this film a must-see.
You can read my review for Port Authority here.
Summer of 85
Summer of 85 is a gay drama about first love and the pain that follows. The entire cast is perfect, and the script is well thought out.
You can read my review for Summer of 85 here.
Mutt
Mutt is a film about 24 hours in the life of a transgender man. Mutt doesn’t define its characters as good or bad, opting instead for that difficult gray area. And because of that, it shines.
You can read my review for Mutt here.
Saturday Church
Saturday Church is about Ulysses, a shy and reserved gay high school student overcoming adversity after the death of his father. Despite the addition of musical numbers, Saturday Church is an enjoyable ride that will leave you wanting more.
You can read my review for Saturday Church here.
Runs in the Family
Runs in the Family is about a father and his transgender son traveling across South Africa to rescue the son’s estranged mother. It’s delightfully quirky characters and shady dealings make for a fun romp. And if you’re the type to re-watch a film, Runs in the Family will feel like a different movie since you’ll know the characters’ real motivations.
You can read my review for Runs in the Family here.
Cicada
Cicada is a gay romantic drama about a hypochondriac who falls in love with a closeted gay man. Cicada is a beautiful, sexy, and engrossing study of two men struggling with the aftermath of living through traumatic events. The end is powerful and will leave some people wanting more.
You can read my review for Cicada here.
Knife + Heart
Knife + Heart (Un Couteau dans le Cœur) is a French gay and lesbian slasher reminiscent of the giallo films popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Most notably, the films of Dario Argento. If you enjoy gialli, Knife + Heart is a must see. It’s brilliantly crafted, understands its source material, and will meet all expectations. It’s also a fine, stylish thriller that should appeal to a wide audience.
You can read my review for Knife + Heart here.
