Passages is a sexy, intense drama starring Franz Rogowski Great Freedom) the brilliant Ben Whishaw (An English Scandal) and Adele Exarchopoulos (Blue Is The Warmest Color) A chaotic and often brutal study of a modern relationship, Passages is set in an avant-garde, young Paris. Intense German film director Tomas (Rogowski) is married to gentle English printer Martin (Whishaw). The long-term gay male couple have a beautiful bohemian apartment in Paris, and co-own a country house. Life is stable until one night at his latest film’s wrap party, impulsive Tomas meets Agathe (Exarchopolous), a young school teacher, and begins a passionate 
affair with her. He tells Martin what has happened and is somewhat surprised when Martin isn’t into this at all. Nevertheless, he selfishly throws himself into the affair and the exploration of another side to his sexuality without a second thought. He stops short in his tracks, however, when Martin subsequently begins an affair of his own, with handsome writer Amad (Erwan Kepoa Fale). The ensuing events see rash, impetuous decision-making lead from one bedroom to another. A messy, modern love story that explores the complexities, contradictions and cruelties of sex and desire.
Director Ira Sachs with co-writer Mauricio Zacharias, back making their 5th film together which tells a very human story of a couple in love but one of whom also wants more. Based on their own experiences of love, this impulsive tale of love, lust, jealousy, and chaos is brilliantly brought to life by its excellent cast which includes a great supporting performance by Caroline Chaniollea who plays Agate’s interfering mother. The story is set in a colorful, bohemian, timeless French environment refreshingly free of modern technology. Old cars, clothes, books, furniture and musical instruments abound and a mobile phone only features briefly in one scene. The powerful energy is complemented by great sex scenes, a potent soundtrack, and intense tracking shots. It’s a merry-go-round of emotional and sexual energy – modern romance at its best and worst. Highly recommended
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: 2023, Adele Exarchopoulos, Ben Wishaw, Franz Rogowski, Ira Sachs, Mauricio Zacharias, modern day romance, Passages, review, Ris Fatah
