Plainclothes

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.

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.

I was really excited to see this film because Russell Tovey is one of my favorite actors, and representation matters to me. I try to watch everything he's in. His performance as Andrew evoked a familiar mix of love, lust, and the potential for heartbreak.

Tom Blyth's performance as Lucas was phenomenal! He completely drew me in; I felt every emotion and experienced everything Lucas went through right alongside him.

Carmen Emmi-I'm a huge fan! The story was beautifully crafted and directed, transporting me back to 1996. This time, though, I was observing the stories that were used as scare tactics to keep us in line. Learning about the elements of Carmen's own life woven into the narrative, and hearing Carmen's motivation for creating this film during that specific time period, made me connect with it even more deeply.

The movie explores several themes that most queer adults have experienced. I'm being intentionally vague to avoid spoilers, but much of what Lucas experiences resonated with me. Some aspects were painfully familiar, while others made me laugh with recognition-yes, I've been there, even the minivan!

Lucas's anxiety and pain are palpable. Andrew's words in two key moments were spot-on, and I respected his character for the way he communicated with Lucas. He didn't shy away from the pain, but wrapped his words in compassion. It made my younger self feel seen.

Finally, the ending was so satisfying. I've encountered that type of person in my own life, and it was refreshing to see that moment of freedom portrayed so powerfully.

I've read that this movie was kind of expensive to make but man...it doesn't show at all. I think the actors are doing their best with a pretty basic script, but the production is just bad.

It's not the VHS resource - Gregg Araki's work still looks interesting today. It's the editing, the cheesy close-ups and everything that goes by the numbers: even the antagonist has no redeemable qualities. Tovey is the highlight - he elevates the material with his performance but there's just so much he can do. It's not a terrible movie but I needed to bring some objectivity to the reviews posted so far..

The only spoiler I want to give about this finely acted and directed film is to say that it literally shows male love as it should be seen. The plot is basically about a plainclothes policeman who entraps men in public toilets. Set in the late nineties of the last century I had the feeling that this could be today in any place that represses forcefully homosexuality. Tom Blyth is superb as the man who entraps and while doing so he entraps himself in a passion for another man ( played well by Russell Tovey ) and how both of them fall into a transitory, but real love relationship. The film is truthful in its description of sex and how versatile it can be. Both men are willing to open themselves to each other and role playing so often seen in LGBTQ cinema has no place here. It is the best loving sexual scene I have seen and I have seen many. I urge anyone who cherishes diversity to see these two great actors, Blyth and Tovey show us both painful truth and ecstatic joy. An essential film.