Critics are going mad for Daniel Craig's latest movie Queer, after its premiere at Venice Film Festival this week.
Helmed by none other than Call Me By Your Name and Challengers director Luca Guadagnino, we just know this is going to be massive. Justin Kuritzkes, who wrote the Challengers script, also penned the screenplay for Queer. Guadagnino portrays sexuality – particularly that of men – so well, and we can't wait to see what he does with Queer. It's reported to have the “most explicit gay sex scenes”, shocking and compelling critics.
It's coming so soon.
Daniel Craig's character will go on a journey when it comes to coming to grips with his on sexuality. It could also be the movie that finally wins him his Oscar. Intrigued yet?
The James Bond and Knives Out actor looked suave as ever on the red carpet in Venice prior to the film's premiere, as did his wife Rachel Weisz in a strapless navy blue dress and a striking diamond necklace.
There's also been some tense moments already around the film's exploration of sexuality and Daniel's involvement and role. During a press conference in Venice, a reporter asked about the sexuality of James Bond, causing Guadagnino to respond that they should “be adult in the room for a second”, reminding them “there’s no way anybody could know James Bond’s desires. The important thing is that he does his missions properly.”
After all, according to Variety's review of Queer, Daniel's performance is described as “shifting about a dozen gears from James Bond” – it is set to showcase his multitude of talents, as well as diving deep into the shame, stigma and ultimate liberation around male sexuality.
Here's everything we know so far about Queer.
What is Queer about?
It is based on author William S Borroughs' semi-autobiographical novella, which was published in 1985. The movie's IMDB synopsis reads as follows: “Lee (played by Daniel Craig), recounts his life in Mexico City among American expatriate college students and bar owners surviving on part-time jobs and GI Bill benefits. He is driven to pursue a young man named Allerton."
Allerton is a discharged navy serviceman and drug user who eventually relents to Lee's advances. We also know that the character of Allerton is based on Adelbert Lewis Marker, a real-life friend of Burroughs.
In an interview with Cinecitta, Guadagnino called Queer “my most personal film", describing the sex scenes as "numerous and quite scandalous.”
Daniel also spoke out about filming the sex scenes. “There’s nothing intimate about filming a sex scene on a movie set,” he said. “We just wanted to make it as touching and as real and as natural as we possibly could. Drew [who plays his love interest] is a wonderful, fantastic, beautiful actor to work with and we kind of had a laugh. We tried to make it fun.”
"Lies are told, secrets revealed and the sisters are forced to work out who they can trust.”
Queer cast
Joining Daniel Craig will be Outer Banks star Drew Starkey as Allerton, Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, David Lowery, as well as pop star Omar Apollo – this will be his acting debut.
Queer release date
After its premiere at Venice Film Festival on 3 September, we still don't have a UK release date for Queer. But it is likely to be released in late 2024 or early 2025 to be considered for awards season.
Queer trailer
No trailer has dropped yet, but a very short clip was released after the film premiered in Venice. We see Daniel Craig catch the eye of multiple men in a bar, as well as seeing a playful and vulnerable side to his portrayal of Burroughs' story. We can't wait for more.
