Queer Review : Daniel Craig is fantastic in a film that struggles to resonate beyond its thematic experimentation

Story: In 1950s Mexico, William Lee, an expatriate leading a solitary life centered around bars, meets Allerton, a younger man, and attempts to form a meaningful bond with him.

Review: ‘Queer’ is an esoteric film where director Luca Guadagnino leans heavily into abstraction. With a minimalistic plot, prolonged static shots, and speculative art forms, the film challenges viewers at nearly every turn, though the outcome feels underwhelming. The story follows William Lee (Daniel Craig), an American expatriate living in Mexico. An opiate addict, he escapes the strict drug laws of the US by making Mexico his home, where he spends his days bar-hopping and seeking encounters with young men. During one such outing, he meets Allerton (Drew Starkey), a younger man who becomes the object of Lee's obsession. Their relationship evolves, and Lee eventually invites Allerton on a journey to South America. The trip’s purpose is to seek Yage, a mysterious plant from the South American jungles reputed to possess telepathic properties and rumoured to be under exploration by both the CIA and Russians. Their journey takes them to the Ecuadorian jungle, where they meet Dr. Cotter (Lesley Manville), who aids in their quest to locate the enigmatic plant.

Based on a novel by William S. Burroughs, the film’s only redeeming quality lies in Daniel Craig’s towering performance. Throughout the runtime, you can’t help but wonder if this is the same actor who once embodied the iconic James Bond. In ‘Queer,’ Craig fully commits to Luca Guadagnino’s vision, portraying an expatriate whose life revolves around heavy drinking, heroin, cocaine, and bar-hopping in search of young men for fleeting pleasure. While Craig delivers a compelling no-holds-barred performance, the film itself falls short. Obscure and abstract, ‘Queer’ is a tough watch, offering little clarity on the director’s intent. The plot feels stagnant for much of its two-hour-plus duration, except for the final thirty minutes, when the characters venture into the jungle in search of Yage. Even the relationship between Lee and Allerton fails to evoke any emotional resonance. This LGBTQ drama comes across as a heavily experimental film, one that struggles to connect with its audience.

The film serves as a showcase for Daniel Craig’s exceptional acting range, and he delivers a fearless performance. Completely shedding his Bond persona, Craig embraces the radical nature of ‘Queer,’ with bold scenes that include nudity and intimate moments with his co-star. It’s a daring choice that underscores his commitment to the role. Drew Starkey, as Allerton, offers a restrained and believable portrayal of Craig’s partner, delivering a sincere performance that quietly stands out. Lesley Manville appears in the film’s final act as Dr Cotter, a botanist and researcher immersed in his work deep in the Ecuadorian jungle. Her brief but impactful presence adds depth and energy to the closing moments of the story.

This film explores the solitude of a man who, having secured wealth, lives a life of his own design in 1950s Mexico. Luca Guadagnino skilfully portrays the unhurried rhythm of Craig’s character, who spends his days drinking in bars and drifting through life. However, the film’s true highlight lies in its cinematography. Sayombhu Mukdeeprom’s lens captures the beauty of 1950s Mexico with striking detail, reaching its most breath-taking moments when the story shifts to the lush landscapes of South America. Guadagnino pushes boundaries with a bold and uninhibited approach, especially in the explicit scenes. The film takes a sharp turn when it transitions to the South American jungle, adopting an adventurous tone. Perplexing moments in the film include an extended shot of Craig’s character using heroin and a climactic scene in which Lee and Allerton attempt to connect telepathically while unclothed. ‘Queer’ stands as Guadagnino’s most abstract work. While Daniel Craig delivers an uninhibited and commendable performance, the film struggles to resonate beyond its visual and thematic experimentation.