5 Queer Movies to Watch This Pride Month
Smrithi Ravindra reviews five must-watch movies to celebrate this pride month.
The Handmaiden (2016)
Set in Japanese-occupied Korea, this psychological thriller chronicles a con-man’s plot to steal the inheritance of a Japanese heiress, Lady Hideko. He hires Sook-hee, a pickpocket, to act as Lady Hideko’s handmaiden and aid in his scheme. However, complications arise when Sook-hee falls in love with her heiress. The simple narrative shapes into a complex and horrifying tale, filled with plot twists, soft moments between the two women and a surprising committance into a mental asylum. Albeit a long three-hour runtime, the film is well-paced. We catch detailed shots of scenery interspersed within a powerful, thrilling and occasionally comedic plotline. The happy ending is the icing on top, making it a must-watch devour. Note the trigger warnings for violence and sexual abuse.
Watch: Amazon Prime
Moonlight (2016)
Moonlight follows Chiron, an African-American man, through three distinct stages of his life. During his childhood, he meets Juan, a drug dealer, who soon becomes his father figure and teaches him to make his own path in the world. The long-lasting impact of this advice, symbolised by imagery of water and moonlight, is seen throughout Chiron’s coming-of-age. The film’s heavy subject matter including the intersectionality between sexuality, masculinity, race, and class is tackled using light and slow-moving scenes. Topics of loneliness, love and family are portrayed both realistically and with cinematic intention. Well deserving of its Academy Award, this is a movie that reveals hidden depth with each and every re-watch. Note the trigger warnings for physical and emotional abuse.
Watch: Amazon Prime
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
In 18th century coastal France, Marianne is commissioned to paint a wedding portrait of a Countess’s daughter, Héloïse. However, attributing to Héloïse’s aversion of her betrothal, the task must be undertaken in secret. While the women spend their weeks together, one posing as a hired companion, a tender romance blossoms between the two. Sensory tools such as a warm colour palette, oceanic scenery and haunting bonfire-witch tunes add depth to the graceful narrative. The movie also uses themes of momentary freedom and poetic love to create a metaphoric retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice. As a “manifesto about the female gaze”, Céline Sciamma’s film is a gripping addition into the classic sapphic period dramas. It is sure to leave its viewers reflective and reminiscent when it ends.
Watch: Hulu
Handsome Devil (2016)
When Ned, a school outsider, is paired to perform at a variety show with Conor, a star rugby player, an unexpected friendship develops. The two teenagers must learn to reveal themselves to the world while simultaneously facing their own battles. A distinctive atmosphere is built into this story using a brilliant soundtrack and unique editing. The movie reflects on the relationship between masculinity and queerness with care. The all-boys boarding school setting combined with Andrew Scott’s role as the English teacher invokes a Dead Poets Society-esque feel to the film. This severely underrated Irish comedy-drama is a feel-good film, perfect for a rainy day pick-me-up.
Watch: Netflix
Professor Marston and the Wonder Women (2017)
This biographical drama recounts the story of Psychologist William Marston, professor and comic book writer, and his polyamorous relationship with his wife Elizabeth Marston and partner Olive Byrne. The movie uses flashbacks to follow the trio through their tumultuous but loving relationship during the mid-1900’s (a time when homosexuality was criminalized and considered a mental illness). At the same time, it places its roots within feminism by revealing the inspiration behind the creation of the Wonder Woman comics. The film’s portrayal of sexuality and BDSM in a healthy light is also noteworthy. The love captured within the sublime cinematography makes for a touching and heart-felt movie to watch this month.
Watch: Amazon Prime
Honourable Mentions: The Favourite (2018), God’s Own Country (2017), The Half of It (2020), Love Simon (2018), Imagine Me & You (2005), The Way He Looks (2014), Margarita with a Straw (2014)