montywolfe Reviews

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2022)

Deserves to become a queer classic

[9/10 · 2 December 2023]

It's been a while since I've seen such a gentle wholesome film. I wish such a film existed when I was a teen. Superb performances from the cast, but major kudos to the young leads. The film hinges on their believability, likability, and chemistry - and they definitely rose to the challenge. I hope to see both of them in more projects.

I love the subtlety and naturalism of the film. Proof that lgbtq themed stories do not need to be pushy or preachy. Instead it felt relatable and real.

The cinematography is beautiful and naturalistic. The editing is mostly efficient and practical but there are moments with a dreamlike quality.

It should be required viewing for anyone lgbtq - but especially young people who need to see positive representation. Like I said, I wish a movie like this would have existed when I was a kid.

And Then We Danced (2019)

Timely and poignant

[10/10 · 19 July 2021]

I've never known a film to feel so timeless yet so immediate, so presently important. It's a simple story, really - a boy falls in love with another boy and discovers himself in the process; however, this story takes place in Tbilisi, Georgia and things are far more complicated in a world entrenched in tradition.

The film shows off the beauty of the country and its characters, photographed with handheld cameras like Italian neo-realism or early French New Wave. It's never presented as "documentary-like," but the film definitely possesses a distinctive air of reality. That reality comes through again with the naturalistic performances of the actors, most notably, newcomer Levan Gelbakhiani. He possesses a beautiful pensive face and his dancers physique exemplifies homoeroticism even in every day poses and situations.

I'm writing this review not long after the mob attack on the Pride celebrations in Georgia - and from what I have read, the production was plagued with difficulties due to homophobia and prejudice and fear. This film is beyond a nice story of two boys meeting and falling in love. This movie is a form of protest.