prasanttrimurthy

It is fairly rare to come across a movie that significantly explores the innermost obscure functioning and brief outer pretensions of a single male character. Beach Rats is one of those movies that realistically demonstrate, through choices and actions, the character's wistful mindset.

It appears to be a masterly study of a character from some book, which becomes clear as you finish watching it with immense patience. Movies of this ilk may or may not resonate with you. Neither does it make for the most memorable experience. For many of us, such stories often embrace the category of 'eccentric' or 'peculiar' or even 'unappealing'.

Eliza Hittman attempts to portray the depth and intricate emotions of young Frankie who spends his time like a nomad with his roguish local friends, a so-called girlfriend and, at night, with older men he finds online. Frankie is struggling to accept himself and refuses to put a name on his nocturnal sexual escapades, forcing himself in the cage of straightness while enjoying submissive, masochistic gay encounters.

Eliza did it successfully, just like in her previous girl-centric movie! Hittman's voice is visible through her powerful, naturalistic direction. She is by now known for stuffing authentic elements in her movies where dialogue remains economical, intuitive and understandably latent, and where characters speak with their rapacious eyes and harrowing circumstances.

Harris Dickinson, I am pleased to say, has done a dazzling job by playing such a challenging role. He surprisingly blurs the line between a potential actor and a movie character through his winsome demeanour. He partially reminded me of Michael Fassbender from Shame. There is no doubt that Harris as a male lead gives distinctive performance and is a gifted young actor, but it would have been better if the story was imbued with as many shades as given to Frankie in the film.

I tend to welcome and appreciate many kinds of movie, but after reading a lot about Beach Rats I thought I would fall for it. I liked it, indeed...but can't say I loved it. The only thing I loved most about the film is brilliant, gorgeous Harris Dickinson whose sterral act buoyed up my interest until the end.

Who needs acrimonious reality when movies like this serve Utopian fantasy?

The Falls Testament of Love is a vivid portrayal of lingering love, longings and affection, and how lost feelings are reclaimed - and how it implores for liberty from God, religion, society and surrounding inhibitions. This movie is a masterly exploration of the process of regaining lost love and developing courage to be who you are.

The movie captures conversations between characters that go deeper and argumentative, creating a space for emotional catharsis where we find ourselves enthralled. It is literally hard to resist what its lead gay characters make you feel. RJ and Chris are two estranged lovers poised between the spirit of love and the price of love.

This film, which is an extension of the first part, has illuminated the fact that you will never be able to shroud your true self or entrap your eternally unfulfilled desire. No matter how mighty-hearted you pretend to be - no matter how many layers of denial you manufacture against your wants - it will eventually explode and leave you vulnerable.

The movie is an absolute triumph of love, indeed. Nick is fascinating to watch, a feast to your gay eyes...he has got a face that reflects unstudied emotions. And Hats Off to Mr Garcia for bringing it to us.

So far in my life, I must say, I have not seen anything as beautiful as this movie, and as divine. I feel humble and proud to have watched such an authentic gay drama - a soulful journey of deep love (between two men) and its ability to survive despite all the repressions.

It is with overwhelming pleasure that I watched this film and almost wished it would never end. As I am writing this, I remember how I eavesdropped and relished their tearful dialogues as if I was right there in their room. I can say with reckless conviction that no other gay-themed film did or will touch the depth of authentic love-rich emotions as this one did.

So many iconic elements I loved about this spellbinding gay phenomenon: including its memorable romantic scenes, passionate intimacy, & unquenched longings, heartfelt affection & tender sentiments, mature empathy and committed monogamy.

For once, it inspires us to reinstate our lost belief in devoted love and value of small sacrifices. It is also about how love, through the phase of separation, grows deeper, desperate and more intense...so that when lovers actually meet back their mutual passions relinquish their desire to stop at it.

The story is utterly endearing, strongly impassioned, surprisingly emotive...and so delicately presented that you can't help falling for its charm. Not a single most romantic movie I have seen, straight or gay, has narrated a tale of powerful, true love like the one that materializes between Chris and RJ - the one that patiently breaks every malignant boundaries imposed by the world around us.

The two lead actors have delivered sublime performances creating an unforeseen, original chemistry that speak of genuine feelings. I am never going to dare forget this film ever; it will linger forever in my heart.