Beautiful Something

Brian is a frustrated poet who having lost his muse, now has also lost his inspiration. He seeks solace in easy love – that never works. Then there is Jim who is in a relationship with an older sculptor but he feels trapped. An ageing actor's agent, Bob, also cruises the streets in his limo looking for the young boys that will fill the void in his life.

On one night all the stories come together but in a way that is far from obvious and with enough drama to make you want to know more.

Now this also features a fair amount of bedroom rumpy pumpy and it is done in a realistic way. The actors are all excellent here and the direction is spot on. This is a film from Joseph Graham who you may remember from 'Strapped'. In some ways there are recurrent themes that were explored there but this is still an original, subtle, in your face and compelling piece of cinema that I can easily recommend.

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.

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.

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.

I expected sleazy gay trash bordering on porn but what I got was a reasonably intelligent thought provoking introspection into gay love - in the broadest sense of the term.

Don't expect a lot of eye candy. There is a lot of gratuitous sex but it is tempered by good acting, professional cinematography and a moderately good script. It does lapse periodically, but on the whole you're left with a feeling that at least a couple of the characters have achieved a life-changing moment.

I watched it with my husband and it provoked some discussion between us. Good for a lazy Sunday afternoon.