Plainclothes

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.

Wow. I seriously enjoyed this film. Loved the way it was shot; grainy and authentic. The director really evoked the time and place so well. The acting was all round knock out (I can see why it won Sundance ensemble award), but particular credit to Tom Blyth - an actor I am not familiar with. He hooked me in from the 1st second and never let go until the last line of the film. Maybe he just reminded me of myself in the 90's; expectant, excited, hopeful, disappointed, frustrated all wrapped up in one confusing mess. There are not many films that I watch more than once (ok, I've seen Aliens more times than I can count) but I hope to revisit this one at some point in the future.

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.

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.

The film has the intimate feel of an exclusive memoir, the chemistry between the two actors takes the audience's breath away, the wonderful performances and images make an old story very beautiful, and the language of the shots can make you feel it!

The first encounter between the two actors is well shot, and the first half of the film is when the audience is fascinated by their story. The film's biggest feature is the way it is edited, the old DV machine cuts and the sound of the machine malfunctioning create a sense of tension and anxiety. As a fan of Russell Tovey, I think compared with his previous gay movies, his performance in this movie is very fitting and reaches another level.

From another perspective, this is like our real grindr story, sometimes you will fall in love with a stranger after ONS, which is beautiful, but it is painful and can not be eternal.

Definitely one of the films you must watch in 2025.

I hope we all find our own San Francisco.