It’s absolutely true: there’s much work to be done in this industry for more inclusion in front of-and even more, behind-the camera. The industry needs to become more inclusive in its storytelling.” When called out on it, Chastain responded, “It’s a sad look that there’s no WOC in this pic of us promoting our female lead films. This week, a Los Angeles Times cover celebrating actresses calling for “a change in the way many stories are told” featured only white actresses on the cover: Margot Robbie, Diane Kruger, Saoirse Ronan, Annette Bening, Kate Winslet, and Jessica Chastain. As new sexual misconduct cases arise-and our memories flood with the realization that this industry we celebrate so often has victims whose artistry will never be realized because of the iniquitous systems in place to keep their voices quelled-it’s a wonder that anything actually moving, anything with a soul manages to reach the silver screen.īut 2017 flourished with performances that highlighted what it means to to be a gay man, a trans woman, a black woman, an immigrant who specializes in holistic medicine, an HIV-positive activist, a struggling mother or even a fallen Valkyrie. Viewer discretion is advised.Despite the raging fire that has swept through Hollywood since Harvey Weinstein’s monstrous behavior finally came to light, if you managed to escape to the cinema this year you may have found more hope for Hollywood’s future. Warning: As stated above, this film contains graphic sex and nudity (did we mention that?). Their primal sexual connection is palpable. Lead actors Geoffrey Couet and Francois Nambot, both relative newcomers, put everything on display – both emotionally and physically. Opening with one of the most jaw-dropping gay sex scenes we’ve ever seen in a movie, the film plays out in real time and follows the connection that grows between these two men.
Afterwards, they leave the club and explore the streets of Paris, drunk with the possibilities of love at first sight, as well as sobered by the risks of their passion. They make their way together and have passionate sex. It’s after midnight in a Paris gay sex club when Théo and Hugo lock eyes across the crowded room – and their connection is electric. Paris 05:59: Theo & Hugo (c) Wolfe Releasingĭirectors: Olivier Ducastel & Jacques Martineauįrom the directors behind The Adventures of Felix, comes a thoughtful and relentlessly sexy new romance. The Playlist said it’s “beautifully shot, touchingly performed and delivered with a thrillingly atmospheric sense of place.” And Screen International said it’s “Affecting as well as perceptive in how it intimately depicts the blossoming of youth… just the right amount of confidence, compassion and clear-eyed style.” An absolutely gorgeous, profoundly emotional coming-of-age film, Heartstonehas won the hearts of critics all over the world. When summer ends and the harsh nature of Iceland takes back its rights, it’s time to leave the playground and face adulthood for the first time.
As one of them tries to win the heart of a girl, the other discovers that he is harboring romantic feelings toward his best friend. In a remote fishing village in Iceland, teenage boys Thor and Christian experience a turbulent summer. It’s pure coincidence that the number 10 and 11 titles on this list both come from the same country. Eerie and stylishly crafted, Rifthas proven a big hit at film fests – not just LGBT festivals, but general horror film festivals as well, where it has earned rave reviews. As the two come to terms with their broken relationship, some other person seems to be lurking outside the cabin, wanting to get inside. Einar sounds distraught, like he’s about to do something terrible to himself, so Gunnar drives to the secluded cabin where Einar is holed up and soon discovers there is more going on than he imagined. Gunnar receives a strange phone call from his ex-boyfriend, Einar, months after they parted ways. Paying homage to classic art-house horror staples like Robert Wise’s The Haunting and Nicolas Roeg’s Don’t Look Now, Riftis an enticing, well-acted and expertly-directed mystery-thriller from Iceland that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Though not for all tastes, the atmospheric dread that hangs over this heady, perplexing Icelandic horror-thriller lingers after the final credits roll.