Plainclothes

Yes, it's still necessary.

Even in 2025, homosexuality is still punishable under the law in some places - even as far as a death sentence - and/or gay marriage is illegal. Even now, rights of queer people are being withdrawn and denied in the supposedly more forward-thinking West.

Some may criticise the film's focus on the story of coming out, and long for happier queer films. Guess what, they exist. But this isn't it. And, actually, coming out remains a terrifying experience for many, which is not exclusive to the queer community.

In any case, I wouldn't even call this a coming out story.

Actual plot: Set in a time and place where the local law enforcement is cracking down on homosexuals, by trapping them into revealing themselves to undercover police officers in bathrooms, the undercover cop in question is struggling with feelings of homosexuality and suffering anxiety due to the opinions of those in his life, but begins to fall for one of his marks.

This is a very tragic love story between two people, so ashamed of their existence and their feelings they are forced into secrecy. For me, the nostalgic, bygone, filming style** only adds to the effect of the main character's anxiety and sucks you right into it with him.

It's a story about people and it delivers. Forget the rest. All the mess and chaos and pain of love - it's there - and the final scene is as devastating as their love.

Solid movie. Perfect pacing. A very interesting watch. Two exceptional performances.

At just an hour and a half, I wanted more.

*for anyone unfamiliar with Tovey's work, he starred in a British sitcom, titled Him & Her.

**a smarter person than me could analise and opine on this decision and how it mirrors the films themes, but check Sight & Sound or something for that.

I went into this film blind and did not know what to expect .Found Great acting and and an amazing capture of the stress, anxiety and fear one felt in the late 90's being a closeted gay man; told with flashbacks of home movie clips appropriate for each time period from the 70's 80's and 90's. It really highlights the trauma done to men who experience this. The panic sequences were really well done I hope younger audiences can appreciate that it wasn't as easy back then.

I felt what the characters felt, i've been there. I was stunned that a film can make me remember those feelings. Fear, panic, compassion and tears means a job well done.

I really struggle to care about romance films. Love is such a private, subjective, and in many ways arbitrary experience and, as a show-don't-tell medium, movies in my opinion just aren't an easy art through which to explore how people feel it. Generally movies standardize it to "well she fills his X deficit/need and he fills her Y deficit/need and that's why they work". I don't care about such contrived, transactional relationship.

Plainclothes, however, completely breaks through this trap. For spoilers I won't detail how, but this easily the most "real" romance I've seen in recent memory, perhaps late memory. I teared up several times in this one. If you're gay or bi, this is especially moving. But even if you're not, you're in for a novel concept and a tense story to keep you glued through an eye-opening experience about gay love, or the lackthereof...

Another reason this works so well is that, while substantively a tragic romance, it FEELS like you're watching a thriller due to the pacing, anxious cinematography, and tense writing structure.

So, so good. Keep an eye out on the creative team. Exceptional film.

Watched at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

The experiences of how gay individuals are going through and the homophobia around is sad and unfortunate, especially with today's climate. Director Carmen Emmi has created an interesting movie about heartbreak, lust, gay identity, and closeted emotions with great performances from Tom Blyth and Russell Tovey, atmospheres, direction, and writing throughout. The narrative strikes with some interesting themes, character dynamics and tension revolving around its setting. While it's conventional writing does have some moments that feel a bit messy, no doubt Emmi has an ambitious tale to tell.

The theme about love and the closeted aspects of being gay is explored pretty well. Examining the troubled effects and feelings one can go through and using a cop vibe approach is quite an interesting take. As mentioned, the main two lead performances are great as the feelings and emotions they are going through are both, while aren't perfect, understandable and honest. Editing wise, there are some weird editing choices that are a bit headaching, alongside with some strange dialogue choices and pacing that feels aimless.

Otherwise, it's a good romantic thriller that achieves with its purpose and themes. Providing a really good third act that leaves the satisfaction on rise.

I was really excited to see this film because Russell Tovey is one of my favorite actors, and representation matters to me. I try to watch everything he's in. His performance as Andrew evoked a familiar mix of love, lust, and the potential for heartbreak.

Tom Blyth's performance as Lucas was phenomenal! He completely drew me in; I felt every emotion and experienced everything Lucas went through right alongside him.

Carmen Emmi-I'm a huge fan! The story was beautifully crafted and directed, transporting me back to 1996. This time, though, I was observing the stories that were used as scare tactics to keep us in line. Learning about the elements of Carmen's own life woven into the narrative, and hearing Carmen's motivation for creating this film during that specific time period, made me connect with it even more deeply.

The movie explores several themes that most queer adults have experienced. I'm being intentionally vague to avoid spoilers, but much of what Lucas experiences resonated with me. Some aspects were painfully familiar, while others made me laugh with recognition-yes, I've been there, even the minivan!

Lucas's anxiety and pain are palpable. Andrew's words in two key moments were spot-on, and I respected his character for the way he communicated with Lucas. He didn't shy away from the pain, but wrapped his words in compassion. It made my younger self feel seen.

Finally, the ending was so satisfying. I've encountered that type of person in my own life, and it was refreshing to see that moment of freedom portrayed so powerfully.