“Herec,” which translates to ‘Actor,’ is a fascinating portrayal of a young gay actor navigating the repressive climate of early communist Czechoslovakia. It uncovers how he is manipulated by various figures for their personal agendas, focusing heavily on the real-world struggles artists faced during this tumultuous period. Specifically, the series sheds light on the unsettling…

In the fall of 2024, Hallmark Channel launched an intriguing initiative with a romantic comedy trilogy titled The Groomsmen. This unique series centers on three best friends—two straight and one gay—navigating love and matrimony from the perspective of groomsmen. I’ll focus on the second film in the series, which highlights the gay storyline, but let’s…

This slow-paced film thoughtfully explores a gay couple at a crossroads while addressing the topic of HIV, which remains as significant today as it was in the past. Unfortunately, despite the good intentions behind the project, the filmmakers lacked sufficient story material, resulting in many quiet moments with little action. The film is visually stunning,…

To be honest, TBH is NOT just a gay web series. While it has a strong gay subplot, the show primarily focuses on the lives of teenagers in a high school and the aftermath of a shooting incident in Brno. The narrative highlights the bullying culture perpetuated by a floor hockey team and their followers,…

So this is what it’s like to dive into an older BL series packed with clichés, melodrama, and a whole lot of fluff. This show lacks a real plot, genuine conflict, or anything that could make it even slightly interesting. Thankfully, with just 8 episodes running about 45 minutes each, they didn’t stretch it out…

Discovering one’s identity and seeking love can be quite a challenging journey. For many in the queer community, drag serves as a means to explore and understand oneself more deeply. The act of applying makeup, donning glamorous outfits, and wearing extravagant wigs can unleash a hidden confidence. However, the French Canadian film Solo doesn’t focus…

Once again, I found myself watching a film by Marco Berger without realizing he was the director. The amusing part? Throughout the movie, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the filmmaker was heavily influenced by Marco, as it felt so much like his style. It wasn’t until the credits rolled and I saw “Film by…

As a gay guy in his twenties navigating today’s dating scene, the journey of love can be quite a wild ride—messy yet enjoyable. Enter Derek, who embodies the very essence of “messy.” Is he entertaining? Well, that’s still up for debate. Season 2 continues to explore Derek’s chaotic, humorous, and undeniably tangled romantic escapades as…

Oh man! This film is definitely not an easy watch. Tackling the subject of paedophilia is challenging, especially when the narrative is centered around the perspective of the paedophile, regardless of how sensitively it’s approached. As a society, we’re just not ready to confront such topics, particularly when it involves a 15-year-old grappling with the…

When a series consistently brings a smile to your face every time the protagonist beams or when you witness a couple’s romance blossoming through heartfelt exchanges, you know it’s done something right. This 13-episode Taiwanese show, with each episode running about 25 minutes, is one such gem. It skillfully balances love with practicality, sprinkled with…

I have quite a few mixed feelings about this film. Set on a ranch in the American southwest, where a group of LGBTQ+ individuals ride horses, train bulls, and perform drag shows, the story lacks a significant plot. Instead, it focuses on the lead character’s journey toward self-acceptance and a sexual awakening he hadn’t previously…

A tender yet imperfect coming-of-age tale from a first-time director, this film feels more like a love letter to Miami than anything else. Many young filmmakers today strive to capture the uncertainty, restlessness, and disorientation of modern youth through various themes. This film beautifully portrays the grounded reality of reconciling with the city that shaped…