Review of Romas Zabaraukas’s film Standing Tall (The Activist), which immerses us in a film noir-flavoured investigation set against the backdrop of LGBT rights.

A political thriller at the heart of LGBT struggles in Lithuania

Lithuanian director Romas Zabaraukas won us over with the referential, political cinema tinged with homoeroticism of his feature film Falling for Ali. He returns with a story that is even more committed—and rich in nuance.

We follow Andrius (the sexy Robertas Petraitis), a young printer who shares his life with LGBT rights activist Deividas (Elvinas Juodkazis), who moves among the highest spheres of power in Lithuania. As a major Pride approaches in a tense climate, Deividas does not seem at ease: opponents and other extremists are numerous. Things take a turn when, one evening, Andrius returns from a walk to find his partner murdered at their home following a break-in and attack.

Understandably devastated by the loss of his lover, Andrius cannot bear to wait for the Police to do their job—if only they would deign to truly take matters in hand. He decides to conduct his own investigation, infiltrating extremist circles by posing as one of them. As he flirts increasingly with danger, Andrius grows closer to high-ranking ministry official Bernardas (Vaslov Goom), with whom a physical passion begins to take shape…

A queer film noir between sensuality and paranoia

Romas Zabaraukas is a cinephile director, and it shows in this film, which feels made on a limited budget but driven by passion. Here, the Lithuanian filmmaker draws on the codes of film noir and revisits them through a gay perspective. Homoeroticism is very much present, with a hero filmed with genuine sensuality. Alongside Andrius, we delve into the chilling, disreputable groups of extremists opposed to LGBT rights, while danger—and paranoia—slowly intensify.

A dark variation on the rise of extremism

The whole thing has style, a good pace, and probes the darkness of humanity rather skilfully, sparing no one. This investigation becomes an effective pretext for offering a variation on the rise of extremism and a sadly corrupt society in which Evil can often strike where it is least expected. A committed entertainment with just enough twists and turns to keep us on the edge of our seats.

Film produced in 2025. Exclusive theatrical release in Paris at the Espace Saint Michel cinema on 25 February

Gay thrillers to discover

• London Spy
• Operation Hyacinth
• Stand
• No One Sleeps
• Death in Buenos Aires