Queer on Film

Ellen Ranum takes us through some decent LGBTQIA+ films for you to lie back and enjoy on a wintery evening. Or whenever, really.

Tangerine

This gritty film follows a day in the life of two transgender sex workers on the streets of LA. This film gives us a unique glimpse into the reality of a subculture that is so rarely depicted on screen. Or if it is depicted, these narratives are often too polished, too neat and wrapped up in a feel-good bow. This movie is raw and authentic and the cast are real transgender actresses who have influenced the narrative with experiences from their own lives. Tangerine explores the desperation, sweat, exhaustion and horniness that comes with living. But don't get me wrong, this film is hilarious too, with zingy one-liners that will have you chuckling well after the closing credits. Oh, and did I mention the entire film was shot on an iPhone 5s?

The Handmaiden

Nope not The Handmaid’s Tale, this is The Handmaiden. The film is a South Korean erotic and physiological thriller that focuses on the seductions between a handmaiden and a Japanese heiress. But trust me, this is no ordinary tale of seduction. The Handmaiden has more twists than WG has stairs and, like the stairs, leaves you gasping for air at every turn. The film’s incredible colouring and inspiring locations makes The Handmaiden a must see. Erotic. Lesbian. Thriller. Honestly, what more could you want?

Call Me by Your Name

Call Me by Your Name. You’ve probably heard the title of this film roll off the tongue of your cinephile friend on a night out. This film has a little something for everyone. Firstly, can I say it stars Timothée Chalamet, who may, objectively, be the most charismatic and gorgeous man on the planet. Secondly, the film is set in 1980s Northern Italy. Watching this film will satisfy your unknown desire to bike across a sun-soaked road, only stopping to swim in the local lake or to read a book in a grassy field. The chemistry between the films’ two main characters is electric long before they even touch. When the film ends, the lingering sensation will leave you feeling like a close friend just moved to England or like you’ve just come home to taste your mother's best cooked meal. The warm melancholy lingers.