Rees tells the story of legendary singer Bessie Smith as one of queer exploration, with Ma Rainey (Mo’Nique) acting as butch mentor to the titular star, played the amazing Queen Latifah. In a just world, her sophomore film “Bessie” would have set a new standard for the Hollywood biopic. Her experience is timeless.ĭee Rees is one of the greatest gay filmmakers working right now. This high-concept true story is tempered by Lee’s relatability as a tired, marginalized, disillusioned lesbian creative in a literary society that rejects her. Her forgery is used to fund simple needs - rent, taking care of her cat, and being able to afford to date again. Melissa McCarthy plays Lee Israel, a biographer who fell on hard times in the ’90s and began to make a living forging the letters of famous writers, including Dorothy Parker and Noel Coward.
In a time where writers are being laid off en-masse by a media industry that devalues their talent, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” is a period piece that feels frighteningly current. Other recommendations: “The Duke of Burgundy,” “Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party,” “Margarita with a Straw,” “Vita & Virginia” This kind of story could easily get broad, but Dockendorf grounds the narrative in its characters and the daily details of Muslim life. Their secret relationship is further complicated by an persistent FBI agent who profiles them for their race and faith. The camera lingers on the beauty of its two leads, framing their faces with focus on their expressive eyes. In Jay Dockendorf’s debut feature, two young Black Muslim teens are dating in secret, saving their passion for stolen moments. “ In a time where drag and ball culture have been co-opted by the predominantly white and straight popular culture, it’s important to remember the marginalized communities who are setting the trends that the public later follows. This one is from 2016, taking place two and a half decades after “Paris is Burning. Yes, it’s another documentary about ballroom culture that centers queer people of color. In a just world, this film would have been up for all the major film awards. It’s a film about the triumphs of surviving, overcoming pain and moving on to a better time. “Princess Cyd” begins with tragedy, the rest of the story is bright and soaked in sun. It’s lovely when a queer coming-of-age film depicts the joy of sexual discovery. The journey they go on together is bittersweet, but it settles into brilliant moments of beauty and tenderness. Her friend Alexandra (Mya Taylor) has her own problems, and a singing performance to prepare for that night. Sin-Dee Rella (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her the day she gets released from prison. The film’s realistic visual style is achieved by director Sean Baker shooting the film on iPhones. This slice-of-life film showcases two trans women of color as they navigate work and relationship issues.
Now, we have the fantastic television series “Pose.” But for a while, “Paris is Burning” was the best game in town, and for good reason. It is one of the earliest documentaries to highlight the joy of queer life as well as the inherent diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community.
This iconic documentary showcasing the roots of ballroom culture is a classic for a reason.
Though the ending is bittersweet, the journey is so much fun, with a candidness about the emotional component essential to sex work. The fun and intimacy of her interactions with clientele are thoughtfully contrasted with the coldness, sexless nature of her marriage. She begins working as a high-end escort, hosting her clients in a renovated loft she’s supposed to be selling. When Abby’s son accidentally hits her in the head with a baseball, the resulting concussion leads her to reassess her life. “Concussion” presents an image of upper middle class lesbian life that feels casual and real. This one is a little sad, but its perspective is fascinating. If you’ve been avoiding it because you see it as a standard Oscar-winning weepie, reconsider.
Though the film is somber, it’s ending has such profound beauty and hope. It’s three stars (Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, Trevante Rhodes) are equally talented at portraying a Southern Black gay man from childhood to adulthood. There’s a lot of hype around Barry Jenkins’ sophomore feature, but it’s all warranted.