We all love a happy ending, and with that in mind, our friends at Peccadillo films have released BOYS ON FILM 24: HAPPY ENDINGS, an inspiring collection of 11 new queer short films to move, arouse and uplift you. There’s over two hours of unashamedly positive stories of love, sex and romance, so dive in.
L’HOMME INCONNU (Belgium, France, 15 mins) Dir. Anthony Schatteman
In a bid to cure his writer’s block, Louis travels to the Côte d’Azur, when he meets the young, strapping Tommy and his girlfriend. This is an excellent film with a dark side – sexy, unpredictable, beautifully shot and acted. 10/10
S.A.M. (UK, 15 mins) Dir. Neil Ely & Lloyd Eyre-Morgan
Two boys, both called Sam, form a gorgeous bond through banter on the swings of their local park. This is a must-see, a touching, ground-breaking coming-of-age story of two boys connecting, one with Downs syndrome. Starring the excellent George Webster and Sam Retford. 10/10
BEAUTIFUL STRANGER (France, 23 mins) Dir. Benjamin Belloir
After being abruptly dumped by his long-time partner, Romain checks into a hotel for a wild night with a devil-may-care operator and an obstinate Don Juan. Very sexy French comedy with a twist. Lots of fun and a great cast. 9/10
PRELUDE (Columbia, 16 mins) Dir. Alejandro Sandoval Bertín & Sara Larotta
A chance encounter with a handsome actor at a party helps aspiring piano player Samuel finally master his craft. Beautifully shot film examines the inspirational benefits of a hook-up. Great classical piano soundtrack too. 8/10
YOU LIKE THAT (UK, 17 mins) Dir. Jeremy McClain
Struggling online performer cum student Joshua is living a quiet life in a middle England university town. He longs for the type of romance he reads about in 19th Century literature. Sweet film 8/10
THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY (France, 15 mins) Dir. Arthur Cahn
When their factory catches on fire, Romain and Adémar spend three days together in the idleness of a French summer. An oddball, very unusual film. Very French. Bizarre but really enjoyed it. 8/10
ALOOF (ISRAEL, 16 mins) Dir. Itai Jamshy
At a family birthday party, Yariv, a timid photographer, begins to recall his extreme sexual experiences at a gay sauna. Interesting film exploring the intersection of an abandoned queer sex life with a regular family life. 8/10
WE COLLIDE (UK, 2 mins) Dir. Jason Bradbury
A queercore romance – a visceral and immersive exploration of the power of the mosh pit and finding love in the most unlikely of places. Cute – no words spoken but who can hear in a mosh-pit anyway. Good to see queerness in the heterosexual stronghold of a gig. 8/10
FIRSTS (New Zealand, 13 mins) Dir. Jesse Ung
Steven, a closeted Chinese student in New Zealand invites a stranger over in hopes of losing his virginity. A sweet, tender coming-of-age story. 7/10
SEA SPARKLES (Uruguay, 17 mins) Dir. Diego Alvarez Parra
Mere hours before Lucas departs Uruguay, a one-night stand with Juan causes him to mediate on what he truly wants from life. 7/10
THE REV (UK, 15 mins) Dir. Fabia Martin
A young English vicar, living a lonely life in a rural village, is in the middle of an identity crisis. He allows his camp imagination to run wild when he’s asked to organise an impromptu funeral. A poignant study, with, of course, a happy ending. 7/10
BOYS ON FILM 24: HAPPY ENDINGS is available worldwide
now on DVD, Blu-ray and On-Demand via Prime Video, BFI Player,
and Peccadillo On Demand
Queerguru’s Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah
Labels: 2024, Boys on Film 24, Happy Endings, Peccadillo, review, Ris Fatah
