By Michael Colford
Rating: 4 cats
Director: Keith Behrman
Starring: Darren Mann | Josh Wiggins | Kyle MacLachlan | Maria Bello | Niamh Wilson | Taylor Hickson
Country: canada
Year: 2019
Running time: 93
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4481066/reference
Michael says: “Okay, what a surprise
“I’m on a mission to get my 25 eligible films in, and I’m just coming down with a cold, so I’m not feeling great. So I wanted a movie that was relatively short and not too intense. I looked at my list of indies that are streaming and picked out what was sure to be a bad, gay-themed film. It starred to handsome young men (teens) who are both on the swim team… part of the popular clique, until on the night of Franky’s 17th birthday, something happens between them that changes everything. Sounds AWFUL doesn’t it?
“Well, it was far from awful. Im fact, it was pretty damn good. I was cringing a little for the first 15 minutes but it caught my attention fairly quickly. First off, as the film began and credits came up on screen, I noted that it was a Canadian film. Okay, that’s interesting. Then, the incident in question happens fairly early on in the film, which also surprised me.The two male leads weren’t bad as things kept going, but most surprising were two beautifully, nuanced performances Maria Bello, and Kyle McLachlan who play Franky’s estranged parents. Estranged, because Franky’s dad is gay, a source of conflict between he and his son. Add Franky’s gender queer best friend, Mouse, and the acknowledgment that it’s actually present days, and being gay, or even fooling around with someone on the same sex isn’t as taboo as it used to be, I was really surprised by the complicated., and frankly, pretty original story unfolded.
“I’m actually considering this one for a few nominations. The aforementioned music, and also Maria and Kyle for their down-to-earth, nuanced performances.. Kyle particularly impressed me as the dad. And I was enjoying the editing as well, and was thrilled t find at the closing credits that the film featured of those rare breed of women editors!
“Anyway, if you’re looking for a tiny gem to give a try, this one’s streaming on Amazon. 4 cats“