Weekend (UK)

I had meaning to see this film for a long time, specially since I had been hearing such positive reviews all over for this film. And I think it was worth the wait. Without being too wordy, the film and its two protagonists say so much and make you part of them. You feel for them, both of them in totally 2 different ways. You want them to be together, they want to be together but they can't be together. This feeling of love, longing, feeling lucky that you found someone but at the same time you can't be with them, is just so innocent and real on screen for this film.

The story is pretty simple but its the execution that makes all the difference. On a Friday night after a drunken house party with his straight mates, Russell heads out to a gay club. Just before closing time he picks up Glen but what's expected to be just a one-night stand becomes something else, something special. That weekend, in bars and in bedrooms, getting drunk and taking drugs, telling stories and having sex, the two men get to know each other. At the same time, we also find out Glen has plans to move to US to pursue his passion for art and is actually leaving the following Monday and this is where the whole emotions of pain an longing come to life. The ending is so heart-warming. Kudos to the director for handling the film so so brilliantly and getting such an exemplary job out of the 2 lead actors. I honestly wanted to be there with the guys wishing I cud see their story unfold in front of me for real.

This is the most real cinematic version of 2 guys falling in love. Nothing is over dramatized. You see this and say, "This is exactly how it would happen in today's time." It is a sincere attempt to try and capture how and why would someone fall for another person beyond the carnal instincts and physical attraction. It shows how people invest time in getting to know each other and before they realize , a spark has started and now they actually might be in love. The acting by the 2 leads is simply brilliant. Russell as the quieter guy and Glen who is more outward but still has some vulnerability about him are one of the best if not the best acting by male in a gay themed film. There are a few scenes just stand out. Everytime Glen leaves, Russell watches him from his window but Glen never looks back but finally once he does when it is time to leave. He shows he is falling in love too. I also like the scene when Russell finally admits to his straight friend that he might be falling in love with Glen and how he doesn't mind driving him to the train station to say one final goodbye to Glen. The scene where Glen reads all about Russell's one night stands was also done brilliantly. I am not very sure but I got a feeling that Glen's ex-boyfriend cheated on him with Russell. I could be totally off here though.

Weekend is genuine, original, natural, well made and well done. It is all about a relationship, gaining the audiences attention through involving, immersing, connecting, emotional quality. I would strongly recommend this film. (9/10)