Weekend is a beautifully written and wonderfully acted film. It was made and set in 2011. Two guys hook up in a bar on a Friday night and the film is the story of their gradually developing relationship between then and Sunday evening. Although In many ways it is a universal love story, it is firmly rooted in the British urban bar scene of the time, both in the casual drug taking and in the way that they have sex first and then begin to get to know each other afterwards. Andrew Haigh, the director has gone for ultra realism in his film style and this almost feels like a documentary in places.
The two leads, Tom Cullen and Chris New, both put in great performances, as they need to for this realism to work. They are fully committed to their characters and you believe in them wholeheartedly, coming to care for them as they risk sharing their vulnerabilities with each other. It is a warm film, and we get to know them, as they get to know each other. They both appear well rounded and honest, even though our knowledge of them is limited, and we want their burgeoning trust in each other to be repaid. However it is a cold world and they have known each other for a weekend…………
This is not just a gay movie, but Weekend is one of the best British Gay Films and deserves to be commemorated as such. It is currently showing at Picturehouse Central as part of the 50 years since decriminalisation series. It is also showing on the BFI player as part of their LGBT+ series, also commemorating 50 years since partial decriminalisation. Whatever platform you choose to see it on, it is certainly worth watching.
I hear so much good about this film, I should really get my act together and watch it. Thanks fot sharing the review.
I watched it again last week on the BFI app, which has lots of old or indie films. Think it cost around 80p. The app is definitely worth looking into, especially if you can cast from your tablet to your TV, with Chromecast or Apple TV or similar.
I’m planning to see this soon. I found 45 Years by the same director good, so this should be fine too.
Now that is interesting! I haven’t heard of 45 years – I will look out for it, Thank you!
It’s a very well done movie.
I just saw this and found it to be a deeply touching story of two people sharing an unexpected connection.
I read your review and enjoyed it, nicely put – Thank you.
Thank you.