“Queer” is a 2024 film directed by Luca Guadagnino, adapted from William S. Burroughs’ 1985 novella of the same name. The narrative centers on William Lee, portrayed by Daniel Craig, an American expatriate in 1950s Mexico City grappling with drug addiction and an infatuation with a younger man, Eugene Allerton, played by Drew Starkey.

Cast:

• Daniel Craig as William Lee

• Drew Starkey as Eugene Allerton

• Jason Schwartzman as Joe Guidry

• Lesley Manville as Dr. Cotter

• Henry Zaga as Winston Moor

Filming Locations:

Principal photography commenced on April 29, 2023, in Rome, Italy, utilizing the facilities at Cinecittà Studios to recreate the ambiance of 1950s Mexico City. Additional scenes were filmed in Quito, Ecuador, capturing the lush landscapes integral to the film’s latter segments.

Reception:

“Queer” has elicited a spectrum of critical responses. Daniel Craig’s portrayal of William Lee has been widely lauded for its depth and vulnerability. Time magazine highlighted Craig’s performance as “powerful” and “sensual,” emphasizing the film’s exploration of desire and identity. Conversely, Vogue critiqued the film for prioritizing style over substance, describing it as a “mournful and sluggish journey,” despite acknowledging the strong performances by Craig and Starkey. The film’s evocative cinematography and atmospheric direction have been praised, though some reviews point to a perceived imbalance between visual aesthetics and narrative depth.

Overall, “Queer” stands as a provocative and visually compelling adaptation, offering audiences a complex portrayal of longing and self-discovery.