Beautiful Something

Some people say this film has little or no plot but then you are missing the point of the movie. This is not about sex yet rather a single moment in the act where something beautiful takes place whether it be the act it self, a shared emotion during sex or what takes place after the act is completed. That moment of bliss. Some spend the rest of their lives trying to chase it repeatedly (Brian/Drew,) while others run away in fear or denial (Jim/Dan.) Or maybe you want to share in someone else's adventure(Bob/Sergio?) However you choose to seek and find your bliss hopefully you discover it with someone you love.

I saw this at the Sydney Mardi Gras film festival 2016 to a packed audience who seemed to appreciate this disarming film - judging by the closing applause, and comments I heard while the audience was walking out of the cinema. Set over one night in an urban city it follows the movement of a few gay men of different age ranges, and ethnically diverse, yet all with backgrounds in art or literature; and all looking to connect emotionally (and often physically). It is a beautiful film with good performances and one that keeps you entranced and emotionally connected with the characters – hence a very disarming film. Well worth your time.

What I loved most about "Beautiful Something" is the way it accurately portrays the baseline of gay life in the US; random sex, mercenarial encounters, dysfunctional relationships and this constant expectation that there is always something better just out of grasp. This could be applied to the human experience as well, but in gay culture it is reality on steroids. Sex is used as an intro, a bartering tool, a commodity and at times even a weapon. The person you go to bed with is hardly EVER the same person you wake up to. The viewpoint from the main character, a frustrated writer, echos that of an entire community. The ending isn't sugar-coated or campy...it's a conclusion that you either accept or reject at your own demise. Great story-line, believable dialogue and great acting from everyone (even those who are clearly non-actors).

Beautiful Something" is an engaging and entertaining film that I wholeheartedly recommend. The story intricately weaves together the lives of four gay men over the course of one night in Philadelphia, capturing their struggles, desires, and connections. Each character is compelling, and the performances are strong, making their journeys feel authentic and deeply personal.

The cast is undeniably attractive, adding an extra layer of appeal to the film. Their chemistry is palpable, and it brings a raw, sensual energy to the screen.

One of the highlights for me was the ending. It ties the various storylines together beautifully, offering a satisfying conclusion that leaves a lasting impression. Overall, "Beautiful Something" is a captivating watch, blending poignant storytelling with a visually appealing cast, making it a must-see.

We are back in the utterly strange and utterly human night-world of director Joseph Graham (Strapped). This time, in particular, men are trying to make art at the same time that they are trying to make connections, and they are trying not to sacrifice one for the other, though in the end they often do. These characters are who you and I are when no one is looking. That is the wonderful and unsettling thing about Graham's work: there is no movie-like artifice, no clichéd interactions you can see coming. Emotions erupt at odd times, as emotions do, and under it all lies a fateful loneliness that it is Graham's special task to explore, as he did so well in Strapped. This is another must-see.