The entertainment industry has been undeniably slow in reflecting diversity. When they did start to represent minority and marginalized communities, roles were limited and stereotypical.
Over the years, there has been a growing demand for greater inclusion and accurate representation of LGBTQ persons in film. Not only that, there has been a need for queer representation that’s natural and organic to the story.
This shift is more than welcome, and we must appreciate the effect of inclusive and authentic storytelling on the entertainment industry and society in general.
After getting your date from a cool dating app like here, check out these films that are taking inclusivity and sex positivity to another level in this decade.
Moonlight
Moonlight is one of the decade’s most critically acclaimed films featuring LGBTQ characters. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the film follows a young black man growing up in the rough neighborhoods of Miami. Throughout the movie, the young man, Chiron, grapples with his sexuality and his relationships with those around him. This includes a drug-addicted mother and a drug dealer who shapes out as a father figure to him.
Moonlight does a great job of portraying Chiron’s experiences without depicting them as a one-dimensional character solely defined by his sexuality. This film deeply explores the complicated intersections of Chiron’s life as a black man, a son, and a friend.
Moonlight is an authentic script that’s drawn from the life experiences of the director, Barry Jenkins. Growing up in a rough neighborhood, Barry is able to depict a realistic and emotionally resonant portrait of a young man grappling with his identity. Moonlight focuses on the depiction of masculinity in the black community, making it a groundbreaking film for LGBTQ representation in cinema.
It’s no wonder the film earned multiple Oscar nominations and won best picture in 2017.
Call Me by Your Name
Directed by Luca Guadagnino, Call Me by Your Name is a coming-of-age story about Elio, a young man who falls in love with his father’s assistant in the 80s. Follow this sensual and romantic exploration as Elio experiences the intensity and uncertainty of his first love.
In this movie, you can witness the liver’s tenderness towards Elio and follow as their summer love story blossoms. Call Me by Your Name avoids the exploitation and sensationalism associated with coming to age films. Instead, it favors a realistic and thoughtful portrayal of two people falling in love. Other than the gorgeous setting, Call Me by Your Name offers great cinematography that makes the film a true feast for the senses.
Love, Simon
Love, Simon is a great film featuring a queer protagonist in the modern world. Directed by Greg Berlanti, this movie follows the life of a closeted high school student. However, his life is thrown into shambles when a blackmailer threatens to out him to his family, friends, and classmates.
In addition, Simon is constantly emailing another closeted student, identified as Blue. Simon is starting to fall in love with this online stranger, and he is hell-bent on discovering his identity.
Love, Simon is a special film because of the normalcy in which it depicts Simon’s story. It illustrates the story of a young man struggling with his identity, and it explores the fear, excitement, and uncertainty of coming out. It captures the script in a sensitive and empathetic manner, thus making it a relatable and uplifting film for queer youth and their allies.
In addition, the film’s humor and warmth make Love, Simon a great starting point for those looking to understand the experience of young LGBTQ persons.
The Handmaiden
If you’re looking for something different from every angle, The Handmaiden is a movie you need to see. Directed by Park Chan-Wook, this Korean movie follows a young woman hired as a handmaiden to a wealthy Japanese woman living in Korea in the 1930s.
The two women get closer with time, and they get entangled in a messy web of deception and betrayal that threatens to tear them apart.
The movie is based on the novel ‘Fingersmith’ by Sarah Waters. But instead of Victorian-era- England, the movie is set in Korea during the Japanese occupation.
Other than the well-written script with an intricate and suspenseful plot, the handmaiden is brought together by great casting. This movie will have you on the edge of your seat throughout as you explore the power dynamics between the two women and the sexual tension between them.
The story is split into three parts, two depicting the point of view of the characters, while the third offers a more omniscient perspective. Get lost in an erotic thrilling story that transports you to a different era, and get lost in the dreamlike cinematography of bright colors and vibrant hues.
This undefined yet compelling relationship gives the handmaiden its depth and complexity. It gives the film a thrilling and thought-provoking edge.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Do you want to watch something great and French that isn’t Les Miserables? Then you had better add Portrait of a Lady on Fire to your watch list.
This French film is a slow-burning romance set in the 18th century. It follows the story of two women falling in love, an aristocrat and a painter who is commissioned to paint her wedding portrait.
This beautifully shot film clearly explores and depicts the complexities of desire and gender roles at such a time.
This heart-shattering story is one that dares you to be keen and listen closely. Watch this profound story of female solidarity that blossoms organically from austere traditionalism.
Although this story does not have a happy ending, both Marianne and Heloise understand that they can’t truly get their way. But even with this acceptance, there is the reminder and consolation that their memories and love were real.
Crush
We have all watched soapy high school movies where the queer character is always cast as the gay sidekick. If you’re looking for a teen rom-com about queer teens, then Hulu’s original Crush is something you need to watch.
Set in a modern-day high school, Crush is more of a coming-of-age story than a coming-out experience, which is something refreshing. Unlike most teen films, this movie offers an accurate depiction of how teenagers comprehend and deal with issues concerning sex, gender identity, and same-sex relationships.
Crush follows a girl who joins her school track team to pursue a love interest. However, she finds herself falling for another teammate, and she gets to experience what true love feels like. Watch as she tries to understand her feelings for both girls, who also like her.
Although Crush has a light and easy-going script, it is a great coming-of-age story with accurate depictions of queer high schoolers. It takes the edge off sex conversations and teen sex while addressing the awkwardness, confusion, and drama that comes with multiple attractions, something most teenagers struggle with.
This movie is a great watch not only because of the trope and humor but because it’s a teen love story with a happy ending. Who does not love those?
Edge of Seventeen
This 1998 movie is a romantic comedy-drama that follows a teen who struggles with his sexuality during their last day of high school. The film follows the life story of its screenwriter Todd Stephens and about his coming out in Ohio during the 80s.
Eric and Maggie are super close, in the only way a straight girl and a closeted boy could be. However, this kind of naivety blinds them to a reality that holds true even today. It is not uncommon for close hetero friendships where one party is closeted, and the other sees potential for a romantic relationship.
Eric’s sexual awakening is true to real-time. It is accurate, strange, and awkward in ways only queer people could understand. The sex also seems to be physically painful for Eric, and it seems like he idealizes such experiences as being more romantic than they are.
Eric makes a lot of rash and horrible decisions throughout the show, and he is constantly lying to the people close to him.
This is a great watch because it is written and directed by persons who have experienced the queer life.
Conclusion
While the entertainment industry has been more inclusive over the decades, most roles are not anything to write home about. They are often inaccurate, stereotypical, and have much smaller roles.
This is why it is important to celebrate and appreciate queer-inspired films that depict the life and struggles of LGBTQ individuals.
What are some of the best LGBTQ-inspired films you’ve watched this year? Share your favorites with us. We would love to hear from you!
