Allan Brocka’s popular comedy series Boy Culture season 1 premiered at BFI Flare in 2006 where we followed the life of escort X (Derek Magyar) and his beautiful boyfriend Andrew (Darryl Stephens of Noah’s Arc). Fast forward 15 years to series two and the six-part sequel finds popular escort X adapting to a very different world.
Magyar and Stephens are the only two original cast members to return for series 2. For this series, they have moved to Los Angeles from Seattle. 40-ish escort X, now older and wiser, still however needs to pay the rent and is thrown back into the competitive world of escorting after boyfriend Andrew sadly decides to leave him. The still-athletic X quickly realizes he’s up against a new generation of escorts who are sharper and much more media-savvy. Sassy young hustler Chayce (Jason Caceres) takes the older X under his wing and helps him navigate a world he left 15 years ago. It’s a real treat to revisit these characters and see how they’ve changed, although the series also works perfectly well as a stand-alone drama. From negotiating sex work and the internet, social media profile branding, and an ever-expanding range of clients, there’s a lesson for hard-working X in every episode, particularly as he navigates his new career whilst still living with his ex-partner, who’s trying hard to move on from him. In fact, there is something we can all learn from this series, about sex and aging, the value of relationships, the variety of human sexual experiences and much more.
Director Brocka has created an honest, heart-warming, intelligent series. Strong, relevant scripts, combined with great casting, on-screen chemistry, and good production/editing, and of course lots of naked hot guys, make this fun series of Boy Culture very easy to binge-watch! There’s still a strong chemistry between X and Andrew so hopefully, we’ll get to see a third season.
Good viewing.
Review: Ris Fatah Queerguru 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
