One of the year’s most viral films, Challengers, has become a massive hit, gaining admiration from a wide audience. As a romantic drama centered around tennis, it goes into themes of passion, ambition, and the complexities of love, capturing the attention of millions.
Viewers across the world have praised it, marking it as one of their favorites of 2024. The film’s trio of lead actors delivered performances that earned high praise, but much of the credit also goes to the director, Luca Guadagnino.
His unique vision and storytelling approach transformed a seemingly straightforward story about love and deception into something unforgettable.
Now, just a few months after Challengers attracted audiences, Guadagnino is back with a new project that’s already generating buzz among film fans.
His upcoming film, Queer, is set to debut in theaters soon, promising to be another remarkable addition to his growing list of celebrated works.
Starring Daniel Craig, Queer is a story of lust and desire set in 1950s Mexico City. With this new project, Guadagnino once again goes into deep themes, showing complex human emotions against a vibrant cultural backdrop.
Here’s everything you need to know about Queer, including its release date, storyline, cast, and what fans can expect from Guadagnino’s latest cinematic offering.
Does Queer Have a Release Date?
Yes, Queer is officially scheduled to be released in theaters on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, following its initial premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
This debut at Venice allowed audiences and critics to get an early view of Guadagnino’s latest work, and the film quickly garnered attention for its thought-provoking themes and powerful performances.
Its U.S. release date on November 27 positions it perfectly for the holiday season, allowing audiences to experience this intense story in theaters during one of the most popular times for moviegoers.
While Queer will first be available only in theaters, fans of Guadagnino’s work and those interested in the film can expect a streaming release sometime in the future.
With the film produced by A24, it’s likely to eventually make its way to the streaming platform Max, which has featured many other projects from this production company.
This release strategy mirrors the approach for many of A24’s previous films, giving fans the chance to experience it on the big screen before bringing it to home streaming.
Where Can You Watch Queer?
Initially, Queer will be available exclusively in theaters across selected U.S. locations. For fans eager to watch Guadagnino’s next project, checking local theater listings will be the best way to confirm if it’s showing nearby.
With limited screenings planned for its initial release, the film may be accessible only in specific cinemas known for showcasing independent or artistic films.
For those who prefer streaming, the good news is that Queer is expected to arrive on digital platforms later on, likely through Max.
A24 has a track record of partnering with Max for their films, and fans can anticipate Queer joining the streaming service’s catalog after its theatrical run concludes.
Is There a Trailer for Queer?
Yes, a trailer for Queer was released on October 29, 2024, and it’s available online for viewers who want a first look at the film’s intense and atmospheric style.
The trailer opens with a haunting rendition of Nirvana’s “All Apologies,” setting a moody and somewhat eerie tone that mirrors the story’s complex emotional show.
Through carefully chosen scenes, the trailer introduces viewers to the central romance and tension-filled dynamics, giving a view of the characters and their struggles.
The trailer showcases the initial beats of the story, highlighting Daniel Craig’s character, William Lee, as he faces his complicated feelings and relationships.
Viewers also get a full view of the lead performances, with Craig’s portrayal of William Lee already being called one of his most powerful roles.
The brooding, intense tone set by the trailer has sparked curiosity and anticipation, with audiences eager to see Guadagnino’s take on this unusual romance.
What Is Queer About?
Based on William S. Burroughs’ 1985 novel of the same name, Queer follows the journey of William Lee, a man grappling with feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
The story begins with Lee fleeing a drug bust and finding himself in New Mexico, where he becomes immersed in a world of music, drugs, and fleeting relationships.
He drifts through this new life, largely detached from deeper emotions, until he meets Eugene Allerton, a young man played by Drew Starkey.
This encounter changes everything for Lee, who finds himself intensely drawn to Eugene, leading him into an emotionally charged pursuit.
The film captures Lee’s complex inner world as he tries to balance his longing for connection with his struggles against vulnerability.
The official synopsis reads: “Lee, who recounts his life in Mexico City among American expatriate college students and bar owners surviving on part-time jobs and GI Bill benefits.
He is driven to pursue a young man named Allerton, who is based on Adelbert Lewis Marker.” This relationship with Eugene forces Lee to confront his own desires and insecurities, bringing an introspective and raw element to the narrative.
Guadagnino has a history of portraying themes of sexuality and personal identity with sensitivity and depth, as seen in his previous films like Call Me By Your Name and Challengers.
His work often shows the edges of human emotion, highlighting both the beauty and complexity of intimate connections.
With Queer, Guadagnino may be delivering his most personal work yet, as the novel’s themes resonated deeply with him from a young age.
After its screenings at both the Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals, Queer received high praise from critics, including Collider’s Ross Bonaime, who described it as “an audacious adaptation and yet another remarkable film in Guadagnino’s increasingly impressive filmography, as well as a showcase for an attractive performance by Craig.”
Who Stars in Queer?
Queer features a talented cast that brings the story’s intense emotions and complex characters to life. Leading the cast is Daniel Craig, who takes on the role of William Lee.
Craig, widely known for his portrayal of James Bond, steps into a very different role here, showcasing a new side of his acting abilities.
His performance as Lee is layered and vulnerable, allowing audiences to see him show emotions that are often hidden beneath a tough exterior.
After years as an action star, Craig’s role in Queer marks an exciting shift in his career, as he goes into a character who is deeply introspective and emotionally raw.
Alongside Craig is Drew Starkey, best known for his role in Outer Banks, who plays Eugene Allerton. Starkey’s portrayal of Eugene adds a sense of mystery to the character, as Eugene’s intentions and feelings remain elusive throughout much of the story.
This ambiguity creates a fascinating dynamic between Lee and Eugene, as Lee grapples with his feelings for someone who may not entirely return them.
The tension between Craig’s intense portrayal of Lee and Starkey’s enigmatic Eugene is one of the film’s central strengths, drawing viewers into the intricacies of their relationship.
The supporting cast includes Lesley Manville, an Academy Award-nominated actress known for her work in The Crown, who plays Dr. Cotter. Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore) takes on the role of Joe, while David Lowery (A Ghost Story) appears as Jim.
The film also features Henrique Zaga (13 Reasons Why) as Winston, Colin Bates (The Blacklist) as Tom, Drew Droege (The Circle) as John, and singer-songwriter Omar Apollo in his first on-screen role. This ensemble cast brings depth and complexity to Guadagnino’s world, enhancing the emotional weight of the story.
Who Made Queer?
Queer is very much the creation of Luca Guadagnino, whose directorial vision has shaped every aspect of the film. Guadagnino has built a reputation as an auteur director, known for his immersive and thoughtful approach to storytelling. F
or Queer, Guadagnino collaborated with several skilled individuals who also worked on Challengers, bringing a sense of continuity and shared vision to his projects.
Screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes worked closely with Guadagnino to adapt Burroughs’ novel for the screen, preserving the novel’s themes while adding a modern touch.
Cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, who previously collaborated with Guadagnino on Call Me By Your Name, captures the lush and atmospheric visuals that have become a signature of Guadagnino’s style.
The score, composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, adds an emotional layer to the film, heightening the tension and drama that run throughout.
The film is executive produced by James Grauerholz, Justin Kuritzkes, Peter Spears, Christian Vesper, Elena Recchia, and Emanuela Matranga, with each of them contributing to Guadagnino’s vision.
Together, this team has crafted a film that reflects Guadagnino’s distinct style and his ability to bring complex stories to life.
With Queer, Luca Guadagnino continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, delivering a film that examines themes of love, desire, and identity with honesty and intensity.
As Queer prepares to make its theatrical debut, anticipation is high among fans of Guadagnino’s work and newcomers alike.
The film promises to be a unique scheme of human emotions, set against a vibrant and unforgettable backdrop.
With Daniel Craig leading a talented cast, Queer stands as one of the most intriguing releases of 2024, offering audiences a cinematic experience that is as thought-provoking as it is visually attractive.
