By Aditi Rana
The excitement of Pride month has already begun, bringing rainbows, pride walks, parties and endless celebrations. Few last years, we’re seeing a diverse range of protagonists and characters who sexualities defy categorization, although representation still has much progress to make. LGBTQ+ films, one of the most thoughtful sub-genres, often capture the emotions of love and the essence of embracing life perfectly. As part of the celebrations, watching queer movies is a must. As their allies, let’s grab some popcorn, dive into these flicks, and show our love by cheering for the rainbow on screen and off! We’ve curated a huge selection of LGBTQ+ movies that will keep the excitement and theme-going ranging from comedy and fun to culturally ground-breaking stories.
Moonlight
Moonlight, a visually stunning and emotionally gripping film, traces the life of Chiron, portrayed by Travante Rhodes, Ashton Sanders, and Alex Hibbert at different ages. Set in Miami and later in Atlanta, the movie follows Chiron through his childhood, teenage years, and adulthood. Written and directed by Barry Jenkins, “Moonlight” made history as the first LGBTQ+ film with an all-Black cast to win Best Picture. It offers a nuanced and compassionate exploration of sexuality, masculinity, identity, and addiction. If you haven’t seen it yet, make it a must-watch this Pride.
Flee
“Flee” is an animated docudrama directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen and co-written by Rasmussen and Amin Nawabi (a pseudonym). It narrates the true story of Nawabi’s journey as a young refugee from Afghanistan to Denmark. As Nawabi prepares to marry his longtime boyfriend, he grapples with painful memories of a past he’s long kept hidden. “Flee” illuminates the human reality behind the refugee experience, depicting the struggle of being forced to leave the only home you’ve ever known.
Everything Everywhere All at Once
The standout star of “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is undeniably Michelle Yeoh, who delivers a captivating performance. However, the heart of the story lies in her relationship with her daughter, Joy. Joy faces the challenge of introducing her girlfriend to her mother, and without her mother’s love and support, she might just end up destroying the universe.
The Kids Are All Right
“The Kids Are All Right” was one of the first mainstream movies to portray a married same-sex couple. The story centers on two women who each have a child via a sperm donor. As their children grow older, they begin to seek answers about their biological origins, leading to a series of revelations and challenges for the family.
Paris Is Burning
“Paris Is Burning” is considered essential viewing for the LGBTQIA+ community. This feature-length documentary delves into the history of voguing and the New York City drag scene, set against a backdrop of transphobia, homophobia, racism, the AIDS epidemic, and extreme poverty. The film features many historic drag icons, including Venus Xtravaganza, Willi Ninja, Dorian Carey, and Pepper LaBeija. While it contains heartbreaking moments, it is ultimately a joyous celebration of the origins of the drag-ball scene.
Carol
“Carol” is a must-see adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s beloved novel. Starring Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, and Sarah Paulson, the film is set in the 1950s, complete with stunning costumes, vintage cars, and secretive lesbian love affairs. The story revolves around the intense and often tumultuous relationship between Therese (Mara) and Carol (Blanchett). Despite the drama and heartache, the way they look at each other makes it all worthwhile.
The Handmaiden
The term “lesbian erotic thriller” perfectly describes “The Handmaiden,” a 2016 South Korean film based on Sarah Waters’ 2002 novel “Fingersmith.” This visually stunning film is told in three parts and will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story revolves around a con man (Ha Jung-woo) who teams up with a female pickpocket (Kim Tae-ri) to seduce a wealthy Japanese woman (Kim Min-hee) and steal her inheritance. However, their plan takes unexpected turns. While the outcome is immensely satisfying, the journey itself is so captivating that you’ll never want it to end.
Red, White & Royal Blue
Red, White & Royal Blue is a delightful gay romantic comedy based on the popular novel by Casey McQuiston. The story follows Alex, the First Son of the US, and Prince Henry of England as they navigate a secret romance amidst a presidential election. Their journey is filled with humorous and heartfelt moments, thanks to the charismatic performances of the two leads and a fantastic supporting cast. This film offers an endearing exploration of love, politics, and royalty. In addition to the captivating romance, viewers will enjoy President Uma Thurman’s charming Southern accent.