June is Pride Month. On June 28, 1969, an event occurred that forever changed the fight for civil rights and equality in North America and then the rest of the world. The so-called Stonewall uprising began a debate about the exclusion and discrimination that the LGBTQIA+ community faces. Especially at a time when other sexual orientations are still criminalized in several countries around the world. Thus, the demonstrations and protests that took place became an important milestone in previously unknown claims. Recognition of diverse sexual identities as part of a greater social and cultural dialogue.
As the decades have passed, this event has become a landmark in understanding the evolution of how the world recognizes the diversity and breadth of the queer community. At the same time, how global culture has evolved to acknowledge and embrace the different ways of expressing love in our time. An important moment for understanding new ways of understanding important issues such as sex, marriage, and legal recognition. This made the date worthy of celebration and an important step in the in which the world is struggling for civil recognition of vulnerable minorities.
Such an event certainly had an impact on cinema. But it’s even more so in recent decades, as queer themes have become more important, reflective, and sensitive to love and its nuances. To prove it, we leave you with ten films (and where to watch them) that not only celebrate Pride Month in their own way. They also explore all the ways passion and love can manifest. The script that unites each of these films.
Call Me by Your Name (Netflix)
Before exploring the mysteries of tennis courts and polyamory in RivalsLuca Guadagnino dives into first love and the search for sexual identity. And all this in a sensitive story that examines how the early years of adolescence were spent. They are also capital for self-discovery and understanding of who we are.
The screenplay, also co-written by the director with James Ivory and Walter Fasano, tells the story of Elio (Timothée Chalamet, from Dune: Part 2), a teenager who awakens to adult emotions during an idyllic summer. This happens because she falls in love with Oliver (Armie Hammer), an older and more sophisticated student. The film sensitively and tenderly reflects the novelty of newborn love and at the same time the first great disappointment in love. All in the middle of an idealized Italy, shining with beauty.. Ideal for hopeless romantics.
Stay Close to Me (Movistar+)
If you like drama, there’s some of that on this list, too. In 2023, director Michael Showalter adapted the painful novel. Spoiler alert: the hero dies. Michael Ausiello, which tells the story of the death of the writer’s partner. The result is a tender drama that tells the same story as the book on which it is based. Namely: how the couple was formed Michael (Jim Parsons) and Keith Cowan (Ben Aldridge) have survived cancer diagnoses.
Moreover, as is the process of both of them understanding that death is inevitable and that together they will go through the last days of Keith’s life. Poetic, funny, sometimes to the point of tears. stay with me — is a quirky love story that’s just what we need to celebrate Pride Month.
Carol (Prime Video)
This film by Todd Haynes and the screen adaptation of the novel Carol (The Price of Salt) Patricia Highsmith’s is not just a sapphic novel. And it is one of the most passionate in recent years. At the same time, it is a look to pain, the search for love and ultimately despair, in an elegant and sophisticated dimension.
Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett) finds herself trapped in an ordinary marriage when she falls in love with Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), a mysterious twenty-something. Both will live a painful story of self-discovery, uprooting and, ultimately, loss. And all this in the middle of a film that is breathtaking in its visuals, as well as the way he talks about everything that happens in a relationship that must survive prejudice.
My Police (Prime)
Another adaptation for the list. Based on the novel of the same name by Bethan Roberts, this film by Michael Grandage explores the forbidden romance between Tom (Harry Styles) and Michael (David Dawson). The first is a policeman trapped by duty in the strict 1950s. The second is his secret lover, who must also come to terms with this. Tom gets married, trying to survive in his surroundings.
Together they represent a couple who will try to survive the lies, hurts and the idea of loneliness in the midst of a prejudiced society. Elegant, sensual and with a heartbreaking ending. — one of the best weird movies you’ll find on Prime Video.
The Power of the Dog (Netflix)
Jane Campion directs this disturbing work, which won her an Academy Award. But more than that, it allowed him to explore the idea of repression, existential angst and unrequited love in the midst of a lunar and almost ominous landscape.
The result is a tense play in which Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch) confronts his family over the management of the family ranch. But he also harbors a secret that only Peter Gordon (Kodi Smit-McPhee), his nephew, notices. Dark and with a terrifying vision of desire and unmet need, This is a cinematic gem that you can enjoy on Netflix right now.
Tar (Movistar+)
Lydia (Cate Blanchett) is a famous conductor approaching the peak of her career. But while this is happening, her complex character and tendency to cruelty will lead her to a difficult family and personal situation. Especially in the midst of his tense coexistence with his wife Sharon Goodnow (Nina Hoss).
In this film by Todd Field, the ideas of talent and perverse personality intersect, which are a character in the history of cinema. But especially in the vision of feminine and sapphic power, surprising in its elegance and eloquence. Ideal for arthouse movie lovers.
Rocketman (Netflix)
This musical is perfect to celebrate the career and achievements of Elton John (played with passion and joy by Taron Egerton). But at the same time, director Dexter Fletcher managed to make the film a celebration of life. to the fulfillment of dreams and, yes, to the recognition of one’s own personality.
And all this with a soundtrack that takes the best of Elton John’s musical history and puts it into the context of a story of friendly and always optimistic growth, despite its dark places. If you love the singer and his musical legacy, this movie is for you.
Keith (Movistar+)
Darren Aronofsky and Oscar winner Brendan Fraser team up to delve into a disturbing, painful and profound story of love, loss and the quest for redemption. Charlie (Fraser) is a morbidly obese literature professor who is close to physical and spiritual collapse.
Moreover, having failed to overcome the loss due to the death of a partner. Which will lead him into a spiral of self-destruction in which he will finally lose all control over his body and mind. This very harsh argument could become a chronicle of suffering, unless the director manages to simultaneously make it a journey of faith and, ultimately, liberation. Very difficult, bitter and painful, this brilliant film is a look at the need recognition, love and support from a painful point of view.
The Imitation Game (Prime)
Alan Turing’s story is painful by necessity. The father of modern computers was a gay man who was brutally repressed in a particularly retrograde England. This led to him being sentenced to prison for his sexual orientation and ultimately pushed him to commit suicide.
Thus, this film by Morten Tyldum deeply and sensitively justifies the person of the famous mathematician. Played by Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe), the plot shows him as he is: namely: a man who managed to decipher the Nazi encryption that communicated with the Third Reich in the middle of World War II. Thanks to this, England was able to have a significant strategic advantage in the conflict. If you love historical dramas, this is a great movie for you.
Disobedience (Netflix)
Sebastian Lelio tells the story of the impossible love between Ronit (Rachel Weisz) and Esty (Rachel McAdams) from the perspective of a tragic origin. Both belong to the Orthodox Jewish community. in which love between both is not allowed.
Which leads the couple into a long-term secret affair that becomes more and more painful with each passing year. With an honest vision of female sexuality and the need A favorite, this film is perfect for those looking for a contemporary and candid romance.
Source: Hiper Textual
