F.L.Y.

I had the benefit of seeing this film at Outfest '23 with a theater full of people who were super responsive both to the film and to the personal stories of the people who made it--so I'm a bit biased in my review--but there's no question that this film has undeniable heart and speaks for audiences everywhere who are underrepresented by mainstream Hollywood.

This film dares to tackle the topic of love during Covid lockdown in a fresh and non-cringe way, with characters who might be reduced to stereotypes in a big studio production rendered here with obvious love and truth. For a story about people confined to their homes it goes places you wouldn't expect. It's also kind of meta. The filmmakers called this film a romantic comedy and while it's quite funny I think it's deeper emotionally than that. This is more a slice of life from people who have really lived that life, and you can feel it hasn't been easy for them. The acting is surprisingly strong for a film with a tiny budget, especially the actor who plays Rafael, and it's even more impressive when you consider the two lead actors also wrote and directed it. That is really hard to do on your first feature.

That said, as a first outing it does have a couple rough edges: the cinematography isn't flashy and the story might try to wrap up a few too many loose ends, but the performances are so charming that I didn't really mind. Everything is elevated by a musical score which hits just the right notes tonally, and sure-handed editing which helps the film transcend its low budget limitations.

This is a film which brings people together and bonds them over a shared experience, so I would recommend seeing it with friends if you get a chance. As I said, I'm a bit biased because I learned the story of the filmmakers while I watched it--but after you watch it you might be biased too.

F. L. Y. Immediately grabbed my attention with its quick pace, exciting intro, and engaging characters. The film weaves together a story with elements of topical struggles society has undergone from Covid to politics, romantic and familial relationships, personal identity, and discovering oneself with a level of humor that balances the deep subjects scattered throughout. The characters have depth and layers that make it easy to see yourself in and allow for personal introspection as you're being entertained the entire film. This is a film that will stay with you and you'll want to share with everyone. Highly recommend to all audiences looking for laughs and love.

I was able to catch this film at the Miami Outshine Film Festival and I'm so glad I did. In the first couple of minutes I found myself uncertain of its direction. The initial setup seemed scattered, leaving me wondering where the story was headed. However, once the exposition was out of the way, the film found its stride and never looked back. From that point on, it held my attention until the credits rolled.

I was really impressed with the acting of Rafael he seemed so natural in every scene. My favorite scenes where the ones with his mom and abuela. They felt so palpable and real. I'm Cuban and they remind me so much of mine. All the small characters where incredible adds to the comedy of the film. Every time the actress playing Denae was on screen I laugh. But what struck me most was the seamless blend of comedy with poignant, slice-of-life moments and how in moments I wasnt expecting my eyes will get teary.

What made it also special was how self aware the filmmakers where like the film wasn't afraid to poke fun at itself, for me this was brilliant and had me laughing hard. I couldn't believe at the end in the Q&A that the lead actors were also the directors and writers of the film and that this was their first movie. Really hope Netflix or a good streamer finds it. I hope these duo keeps making films together. Definitely a new refreshing voice in queer cinema.

F. L. Y. Is an extraordinary gay romcom that fearlessly explores the journey of self-acceptance and honesty against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The relatable characters and their unexpected journey invite you to laugh, empathize, and form a deep connection. The story is cleverly written, effortlessly blending humor and heartfelt moments that weave together the themes of the pandemic, self-discovery and love.

With its hilariously funny jokes, well-crafted storyline, exceptional acting, on-point music choices, and an unfiltered portrayal of gay life, this film will keep you engaged throughout. It tells a story that needs to be heard, breaking free from the Double Paris filters of mainstream media.

With its impeccable production, heartfelt moments, and powerful message, F. L. Y. Is a film that deserves to be seen. It is a delightful, honest, and unapologetic celebration of self-acceptance, love, and the human spirit. I will certainly watch it again and wholeheartedly recommend you see it too.

It's not often that one finds a work of LGBTQ+ cinema that intentionally (and successfully) incorporates material related to personal growth and development, especially within the unlikely context of a romantic comedy-drama. However, actor-writer-directors Trent Kendrick and Rafael Albarran have done just that in their debut feature about two former partners (Kendrick and Albarran) whose envisaged brief reunion after many years apart suddenly and unexpectedly thrusts them together into an exercise in quarantining in place at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their unplanned cohabitation leads to both a look back and a look forward as they jointly and individually review where they were and now where they're going in their respective new lives. That experience subsequently prompts considerable soul searching as they each seek to come to terms with their true selves as individuals and what that may hold for the future, both for themselves and in relation to one another. In the process, they experience a variety of shifts in perspective as they come to discover themselves, often aided by an array of colorful supporting players from their present and past. And their odyssey is further fueled by a wide range of unusual and often-hilarious experiences, some related to the pandemic, some related to gay life, some tied to the world of drag and gender identity, some based on individual aspirations, and some reflected through recollections shown in flashbacks. The result is an appealing, heartwarming slice of life tale that combines all of the foregoing diverse narrative elements. Admittedly, there are times when these story components don't always mesh quite as effectively as they might have, and the picture tends to get stretched out a little too much in the final act. But, generally speaking, these varied aspects harmonize well, providing a tale unlike what's typically found in most LGBTQ+ or personal growth-oriented film offerings, an outcome that gay community members who have undergone their share of experiences of disappointment, disempowerment and heartbreak will find personally inspiring. And that point is nicely driven home when the acronym that accounts for this release's title is at last explained (an uplifting notion that I won't spoil by unduly revealing it here). "F. L. Y." is an impressive debut from this writing and directorial duo, something that we can hope we'll see more of in future projects.