The show revolves around Ian, a daycare worker running an after-school program, his boyfriend Lamar, who is both a nurse and a prostitute, and Delores, a scrappy old widow who opens her home to the couple. Season 1 focuses on the adjustment process of these three very different people as they try to live together and get to know each other more intimately. Ian faces frustrations with irate parents at his daycare job, Lamar has an awkward and unexpected encounter with a client, and Delores gets involved in a steamy private lesson with her choir director. Amidst all this, a pillow talk between Ian and Lamar sparks an existential crisis, which ultimately leads to the three having dinner together. Delores, getting stoned during dinner, lightens the mood, marking a comical yet emotionally charged moment in their strange, evolving dynamic. In Season 2, we learn more about Delores' past—her husband’s death and how her son left after seeing his mother with another man. Meanwhile, Ian continues to struggle with his life choices and reluctance to mature, seemingly content with whatever little he has. Lamar, who’s bisexual and juggles nursing and sex work, faces tensions in his relationship with Ian, largely because of his job. One of Lamar’s regular clients, Linda, plays a key role in the complications they face. Season 2 also explores Delores’ aging process, as she falls in a grocery store and begins to confront the reality of growing old alone. She considers Ian and Lamar her family, but her sister’s visit forces her to confront uncomfortable truths. An…

"Twilight Out of Focus" is a Japanese anime BL series that introduces viewers to three distinct couples: Hisashi and Mao, Jin and Giichi, and Rei and Shion. While the marketing of the show focuses primarily on Hisashi and Mao, the series dives into all three relationships, each explored over the course of three to four episodes. Set in an all-boys boarding school, the characters are either part of, or connected to, the film club. Each couple has their own dynamic, and the series concludes by focusing on Hisashi and Mao, the first couple introduced. The 12 episodes, each running about 22 minutes, deliver a relatively short but impactful exploration of these relationships. ### Hisashi and Mao Hisashi and Mao begin as roommates. Hisashi, at first, comes off as aloof, keeping to himself and rejecting Mao's attempts to connect. It isn't until Hisashi has a breakdown in their shared room that he confesses he’s gay, and Mao responds with understanding and support. Moved by Mao’s kindness, Hisashi begins to open up. Their friendship blossoms, and soon their bond turns into something deeper. Mao, a member of the film club, introduces Hisashi to Giichi, the president of the film club, who is directing a BL film and wants to cast Hisashi for the other lead role. As the two practice their lines, they find themselves drawn closer to each other. Their relationship grows beautifully as they explore their emotions and the gradual development of their love. ### Jin and Giichi Jin and Giichi, the presidents of the drama and film clubs respectively,…

This series is quite simple and doesn't offer much in terms of excitement. It's a typical college romance where the lead character is unsure whether his crush feels the same, even though they've already kissed. This kind of plot was very popular when BL series first gained traction, but now, as an audience, we have many more options. Even though the plot is thin, the series does offer plenty of light-hearted, fun moments between friends that keep you engaged for a while. However, with a total of 17 episodes, each ranging from 50 to 65 minutes, watching the entire show requires almost 16 hours. By the end, the investment doesn't feel entirely worthwhile, though it does manage to keep a smile on your face. The central story revolves around Easter and North, two college freshmen who are excited to begin their university lives and make new friends. Easter joins a club led by Hill, a popular medical student with three close friends, the most notable of whom is Johan, who comes from a wealthy family. From the start, it’s clear that Hill has feelings for Easter, and Easter likes him back, but Easter foolishly believes that Hill is interested in his sister or someone else. This happens even after Hill straightforwardly asks Easter if he wants to be his boyfriend. The show then delves into their backstories, showcasing their growing feelings for each other, although Easter sometimes behaves like a clueless child. Their romance is sweet and real, though not overly dramatic. It's a charming yet simple love story, focused…

Never Let Him Go is a gripping four-part docuseries that delves into the enigmatic death of Scott Johnson, a gay academic found dead at the bottom of a cliff near Sydney in December 1988. His brother, Steve Johnson, spent over 30 years relentlessly pursuing justice, determined to uncover the truth behind Scott's tragic death. Scott, a promising American prodigy studying in Australia, had a bright future ahead of him. Tragically, it was cut short when his body was discovered naked and mutilated at the bottom of a cliff, with police hastily concluding suicide as the cause. However, over the years, numerous leads suggested that Scott might have been another victim of hate crimes—a violent, bias-motivated death that had been dismissed for too long. Across four tightly edited and emotionally compelling episodes, Never Let Him Go chronicles the investigation, which evolves from a simple unresolved mystery into a landmark case. The docuseries highlights the challenges of seeking justice within the context of systemic bureaucracy, while shedding light on the plight of the LGBTQ community, which suffered widespread violence that often went unnoticed. The documentary follows Steve’s unyielding quest for answers, showing the toll it took on him and his family. The show features testimonies from Scott's partner, his friends, his siblings, and key figures in the investigation, including police officers and journalists who covered the case. However, the real heart of the story is Steve, whose pursuit of justice forms the backbone of the series. In 2007, Steve enlisted journalist-turned-private investigator Dan Glick, and together they spent the next 15 years…

For a change, this BL story feels surprisingly realistic, from the storyline to the way the characters speak and react. They’re messy and unpredictable, which gives viewers a roller coaster of emotions as the leads try to figure out themselves and their complicated relationship. I didn’t expect much from a BL series featuring a Filipino and a Korean guy set in LA, but it actually turned out to be quite enjoyable. With just seven episodes, each around 22-25 minutes long, it’s an easy and fun watch. The story follows Filipino filmmaker Andre Lee, who wins the Grand Jury Award at a Los Angeles film festival for his short film. His celebration is short-lived, however, when he falls victim to a scammer who steals a large sum of his money with promises of big Hollywood dreams. Now in need of a place to stay, Andre also becomes determined to track down the thief. He finds Joshua, a hardworking Korean immigrant, online, who is looking for a roommate. As they share the space, Andre becomes drawn to Joshua, though Joshua is a reserved man who keeps his distance. Joshua secretly cares for Andre, finding him small jobs here and there, but there’s something holding him back. We eventually learn that one of Joshua’s exes, someone he deeply cared for, cheated on him for a green card, and his conservative father threw him out when he found out he was gay. Despite these challenges, the two develop a happy relationship, but Andre faces an obstacle—he doesn't have the proper paperwork to stay in…

This film feels like one of those breezy, emotionless movies where the filmmaker is possibly lost in trying to convey some deep message. It's disappointing because it's from the same director who made The Way He Looks, one of my all-time favorite films. It’s not that the movie is bad, but by the time it’s over, there’s really nothing memorable to take away from it. João is a 32-year-old filmmaker living in São Paulo, who, after ending a 10-year relationship with Hugo, turns to dating apps in search of another boyfriend. He believes the relationship ended on a high note, which is a good thing— after all, like any good TV show, you don't want to stay when things start getting boring. He throws himself into the world of dating apps, but isn’t in any rush to meet anyone. He wants to take things slow. He meets up with a couple, Alexandre and Rodrigo, and his voyeuristic tendencies lead to an unexpected flirtation with his career. He also meets Viktor, a guy he likes, but after a few flings, the connection fades. João is also a struggling filmmaker, his screenplay delayed by the production company. Fed up with editing tedious educational films, he finds success as a cameraman for amateur art porn, filming private couples. Some of these couples even invite him to join in, but João declines, largely due to the influence of the gay couple he met earlier. João decides to channel his life into writing, turning his experiences into a script. But as his romantic life doesn't…

This film has been a hot topic for many reasons. With Daniel Craig playing a gay character and the direction handled by the same filmmaker behind Call Me By Your Name, the expectations were understandably sky-high. Regrettably, I have to admit that the film ended up feeling deeply disappointing. By the time the film neared its conclusion, I had lost all investment, which is truly unfortunate. The story, Queer, is set in Mexico City in the 1950s. It follows William Lee, a homosexual American expat, who is struggling with opioid addiction and aimlessly drifting through the local bar scene, hoping to find fleeting connections with younger men. He’s desperately searching for validation, craving moments of love to temporarily free him from his invisibility and isolation. When he encounters Eugene, a former American soldier, William believes he has finally found the deep connection he’s been longing for. William becomes completely consumed by the idea of being close to Eugene, his desire evident in the way he awkwardly tries to communicate his feelings, through nervous glances and tentative gestures. At one point, he even seeks reassurance from his one queer friend, asking if Eugene might share his feelings. The two begin spending time together, but it quickly becomes clear that Eugene doesn’t feel the same way. They do become physically intimate, and while it’s initially passionate, William’s obsession spirals into an addiction. Unable to distinguish between healthy longing and unhealthy obsession, he loses himself in a delusional hope, clinging to a dream that consumes him entirely. Despite their age and romantic differences,…

"Herec," which translates to 'Actor,' is a fascinating portrayal of a young gay actor navigating the repressive climate of early communist Czechoslovakia. It uncovers how he is manipulated by various figures for their personal agendas, focusing heavily on the real-world struggles artists faced during this tumultuous period. Specifically, the series sheds light on the unsettling reality of actors being coerced into espionage for the state. This gripping miniseries, spanning three episodes, serves as a poignant examination of human nature and the complexities of acting under extreme pressure. The hero’s morality is constantly in question, adding an intriguing layer to his development as the story unfolds. Each episode lasts between 70 to 90 minutes, making for an intense viewing experience. While this isn't a "gay story" per se, it is deeply relevant, depicting the journey of a closeted gay actor entangled in the political web of the communists, as they use him to seduce powerful men for intelligence purposes, with harrowing consequences. Set in the 1950s during the communist regime, the character of Láník is introduced as a promising yet overlooked actor, struggling with the harsh realities of the theater world. Living with his sister and grandmother, Láník faces the constant threat of eviction from their home. In a desperate attempt to secure work, he takes a job as a repairman at a university, where he strikes up a conversation with a math professor, revealing his remarkable aptitude for the subject. The professor, impressed by Láník’s talents, gradually seduces him and invites him to his weekend cottage. However, their secretive relationship…

In the fall of 2024, Hallmark Channel launched an intriguing initiative with a romantic comedy trilogy titled The Groomsmen. This unique series centers on three best friends—two straight and one gay—navigating love and matrimony from the perspective of groomsmen. I’ll focus on the second film in the series, which highlights the gay storyline, but let’s briefly set the stage. Danny, Jackson, and Pete are childhood pals who have always supported each other. In the first installment, we see Pete find the love of his life at Danny's sister's wedding. Pete also has a teenage daughter who frequently spends time with the trio. Danny harbors feelings for Zack, his business manager and best friend. While both Danny and Pete are aware of this, Danny is hesitant to express his emotions for fear of losing their friendship if Zack doesn’t feel the same way. Complicating matters, Zack starts dating Nolan, which troubles Danny. As their relationship becomes serious, Zack and Nolan decide to get married, leaving Danny in shock despite his deep feelings for Zack. When Zack asks Danny to be his best man at the wedding in Greece, Danny suppresses his emotions and commits to being the supportive friend, especially since Nolan is often preoccupied with work—a significant red flag. Due to their busy schedules, Danny and Zack end up going to Greece a few days before the wedding to finalize preparations, spending every moment together, which intensifies Danny’s struggle. While Zack's feelings remain ambiguous, a near-kiss one night adds to the tension. The day before the wedding, Danny can’t hold…

This slow-paced film thoughtfully explores a gay couple at a crossroads while addressing the topic of HIV, which remains as significant today as it was in the past. Unfortunately, despite the good intentions behind the project, the filmmakers lacked sufficient story material, resulting in many quiet moments with little action. The film is visually stunning, but I wish there had been more depth to the narrative. Matteo and Riccardo are celebrating six months together when they embark on a hike. During the outing, Matteo experiences an episode of illness, revealing that he is HIV-positive. Surprisingly, Riccardo chooses to stay and offers his support. However, despite Matteo urging him to get tested, Riccardo hesitates, likely out of fear of discovering his own status. Meanwhile, Matteo grapples with uncertainty regarding his treatment options. When Matteo unexpectedly visits Enzo, Riccardo's initial suspicion gives way to understanding when he learns that Enzo is Matteo’s uncle. Enzo provides both men with insight into their feelings and offers perspective on managing the illness and their relationship, drawing from his own experiences over the years. He shares how different things were for lovers in the '80s, especially those affected by HIV. It seems the filmmaker aimed to spark a conversation around this topic, as HIV is not widely discussed today despite medical advancements. While the treatment has improved and the illness can be managed, the filmmakers missed the mark in conveying this message effectively. Most of the dialogue revolves around Enzo’s experiences from the past. Even though Riccardo doesn’t abandon Matteo upon learning his status and understands…

To be honest, TBH is NOT just a gay web series. While it has a strong gay subplot, the show primarily focuses on the lives of teenagers in a high school and the aftermath of a shooting incident in Brno. The narrative highlights the bullying culture perpetuated by a floor hockey team and their followers, a girl gang known as the Bitchez. In ten episodes, Czech Television's first original streaming series explores the search for boundaries in the painful teenage experience, particularly in an age dominated by manipulative social media. Each episode runs between 11 to 15 and a half minutes. The story kicks off when a stranger enters the school and opens fire on students. Maja, an activist, live-streams her fight for survival, leading to unexpected internet fame. Unfortunately, she also captures some awkward moments between the popular Nessa and her boyfriend, Luky, who plays floorball. The chaos escalates when Nessa’s brother, Tonda, the shooter, is revealed to have been bullied, and it turns out he was wielding a fake gun. Over the next ten episodes, flashbacks unfold the individual stories of these characters, detailing how that fateful day transpired and its aftermath. Tonda's floorball teammates show no remorse, and sadly, even his sister struggles to understand his perspective. However, as Maja befriends Nessa, she begins to see beyond her previous role as a high school mean girl. The gay subplot revolves around Luky and his best friend Pavel, who has always been more flamboyant. Luky grapples with his sexuality, especially after Pavel publicly comes out as gay. While…

So this is what it’s like to dive into an older BL series packed with clichés, melodrama, and a whole lot of fluff. This show lacks a real plot, genuine conflict, or anything that could make it even slightly interesting. Thankfully, with just 8 episodes running about 45 minutes each, they didn’t stretch it out to 12 or more episodes unnecessarily. Yet, despite this brevity, the series ends up being a coherent mess. The creators somehow manage to transform a simple, beautiful love story into something so over-the-top that it becomes exhausting to watch. Nuea transitions from high school to university, carrying a long-standing crush on his classmate Kluen. On the last day of school, he confesses his feelings, only to receive the disappointing response of “have a safe flight,” leaving Nuea heartbroken. A year later, when they reunite at university, Nuea is so embarrassed by the past that he pretends not to recognize Kluen in front of their peers. He insists he’s moved on and no longer has feelings for him. However, they find themselves living in the same dorm, which reignites their connection. Kluen is in a relationship with a girl but still seems drawn to Nuea. Reluctantly, Nuea admits that his feelings haven’t completely faded. Misunderstandings and miscommunications—like Kluen’s girlfriend or another guy flirting with Nuea—turn their interactions into a tiring game of cat and mouse. It becomes wearisome to watch. As expected, everything wraps up nicely, and the two lovers eventually come together, aided by Nuea’s supportive brother and a solid group of friends. This entire…