Movie Review

Daniel Craig shines in Queer, an unapologetic tale of love and loss

Drew Starkey and Daniel Craig in Queer.

Photo courtesy of A24

As recently as the late 2010s, if a movie was made about an LGBTQ+ character, it was more than likely about their coming out experience. Romance, if it existed, was typically chaste, and actual sex was almost completely out of the question. Things have changed dramatically in the 2020s, to the point that a major movie star has no issue starring in a film called Queer.

Based on the 1985 novella by William S. Burroughs, the film features William Lee (Daniel Craig), whom everyone calls just Lee, a writer living in 1950s-era Mexico City who spends most of his time haunting local bars with friends like fellow writer Joe Guidry (Jason Schwartzman) and hitting on younger men. His early interactions in the film seem to indicate that Lee has a bad reputation within the local gay community, as multiple people avoid him or give him odd looks.

Lee senses an opportunity when he encounters a newcomer, Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey). Despite some awkward interactions, the two of them start spending time together, although Lee has much more invested in the relationship than Eugene does. Their hit-and-miss bond continues until Lee, who’s starting to get into drugs in addition to the booze, convinces Eugene to accompany him on a trip to South America.

Directed by Luca Guadagnino and written by Justin Kuritzkes (making their second straight film together after Challengers), early on the film seems to be mostly about the divide between an older person who’s grown comfortable in his ways and a younger person who’s living a relatively carefree life. The introduction of drugs into the plot changes things, though, with Lee searching out more ways to open his eyes to what the world has to offer.

Guadagnino and his team use some interesting visual storytelling techniques to introduce ideas that may not be present in the actual script. The most successful, demonstrated in multiple scenes, is the superimposition of movements by Lee over what’s actually taking place in the scene. The subtle overlay gives the audience insight into Lee’s true feelings, showing what he can’t or won’t say out loud.

Music also plays a big part in how the plot is perceived, with the use of anachronistic songs from Nirvana and Prince serving to heighten certain moments. The score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is not as in-your-face as the one they did for Challengers, but it complements the film well, especially when the plot starts to get trippy in its final half hour.

Craig, who appears sweaty and disheveled for much of the film, is about as far from the suaveness of James Bond as you can get in this role. He takes multiple risks with his performance and almost all of them pay off. Starkey’s character is subdued by comparison, but still comes off well. Schwartzman and Lesley Manville are given showy roles, with both using altered appearances that make them nearly unrecognizable to deliver memorable performances.

Queer is not as accessible as Challengers was storytelling-wise, but the fact that it tells a story about gay men living their lives as they see fit with no interference or questions shows how far the film world has come in a short period of time. It also continues Guadagnino’s streak of making audacious films in a way that few other filmmakers are willing or able to approach.

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Queer is now playing in theaters.

movies film

weekend event planner

Here are the 14 best things to do in Houston this weekend

Photo courtesy of Kesha

Kesha

People will be getting hella proud of the city this weekend. All over H-Town, folks will be celebrating 713 Day with everything from food and drink specials to full-fledged parties (stay tuned: our picks are coming soon).

But, of course, there are other things popping off in Houston this weekend. The Dude Perfect gang will be in town to do some sports-related trickery. Many local artists will show off their work at several group exhibits. GreenStreet will throw a game day block party. And Kesha will be performing live – and that’s on period!

So, shall we dance?

Thursday, July 10

Dude Perfect: Hero World Tour
Dude Perfect will present an exciting blend of sports, comedy, and incredible stunts on their Hero World Tour. The group, featuring members Tyler Toney, Cody Jones, Garrett Hilbert and twins Coby and Cory Cotton, entertains with trick shots, challenges, and audience participation. Fans get to enjoy behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive content that give a fun peek into the group’s creative journey. 7 pm.

Kesha in concert
Pop singer Kesha is known for a lot of things: suing producer Dr. Luke for sexual assault, battery, and emotional abuse; getting hug-rejected by Jerry Seinfeld; appearing on the cover of Black-music magazine Vibe as “hip-hop’s guilty pleasure.” She’ll be coming to The Woodlands as part of The T**s Out Tour in support of her new album, . (yes, Period is the name!). She'll be joined by special guest Scissor Sisters and opening act Slayyyter. 7 pm.

Lone Star Lyric presents Séance on a Wet Afternoon
Séance on a Wet Afternoon is a psychological thriller in which Myra, a mentally unstable medium, convinces her husband to kidnap a child so she can help the police solve the crime and achieve renown for her abilities. Myra’s plan to achieve fame in the psychic community is perfect until… Lone Star Lyric presents the three-night regional premiere of the opera, followed by a reception with composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz. 7:30 pm.

Friday, July 11

David Shelton Gallery presents “Emerging From Where?” opening reception
When we last spoke to artist Robert Leroy Hodge, he said he’d be taking a break from showing off his own artwork and curating shows featuring the artwork of others. He’s already assembled this exhibit, featuring 11 dynamic artists who push the boundaries of form, identity, and narrative. Artists include Saj Baldwin, Crystal Coulter, Xavier Gilmore, Morgan Newton, Jake Otto, and Anthony Rundblade. Through Saturday, August 16. 6 pm.

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft presents "In Residence: 18th Edition" opening reception
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft’s annual exhibition celebrating the Center’s Artist Residency Program features works in clay, copper, and found objects by HCCC’s 2024-2025 resident artists, including Prerata Bradley, Stephanie Bursese, Gbenga Komolafe, Gabo Martinez, Preetika Rajgariah, Jamie Sterling Pitt, Adam Whitney. Visitors can enjoy refreshments as they explore the exhibition, and visit with current resident artists Atisha Fordyce, Nela Garzón, Macon Reed, and Dongyi Wu. 6 pm.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Shall We Dance?
Shohei Sugiyama (Koji Yakusho) has a high-paying job, an exquisite home, and a caring wife and daughter he loves dearly. However, he feels something is missing in his life. One day while commuting on the train he spots a beautiful woman staring wistfully out a window and eventually decides to find her. His search leads him headfirst into the world of competitive ballroom dancing. This 1996 crowd-pleaser from Japan is presented in a new 4K restoration of the original film, available uncut for the first time in North America. 7 pm (5 pm Sunday).

Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston and Laura Moreno present Crabs in a Bucket
This Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Winner for Best Writing will have its Houston premiere this weekend. Inspired by Mexico-born, Houston-bred playwright Bernardo Cubría’s experiences in the Latinx theater community, this satire focuses on the impact of “crab mentality.” Bitter crabs Amargo and Pootz spend their days talking about the crabs that got out and the losers who haven’t. When a new crab arrives filled with optimism and hope for change, can it help them achieve their dream of getting the shuck out? Through Saturday, July 19. 8 pm (2 pm Sunday).

Saturday, July 12

Cactus Music presents Rick Mitchell with Dr. Robert Morgan and the HSPVA Jazz Combo
Former Houston Chronicle music critic Rick Mitchell will sign copies and read from his book Jazz in the New Millennium: Live and Well, Revised Edition. The book includes 84 profiles of the leading 21st-century jazz musicians, including several from Houston. Mitchell will be joined by Dr. Robert Morgan, retired director of the HSPVA jazz program, and the HSPVA student jazz combo (under the direction of James Westfall). They will discuss the role Houston-bred musicians have played in the creative renaissance of jazz in the current century. 1 pm.

GreenStreet Game Day Block Party
GreenStreet will be throwing down with a Game Day Block Party, in honor of the Silver Boot Series between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers. Come and enjoy a block party that’s all about team spirit, Texas pride, and full-throttle fun. Expect live grooves from a band and a DJ, a mechanical bull, a bedazzler station, food, drinks, and something called “good trouble.” You’ll also get free parking and free shuttles to the game with your RSVP. 2 pm.

Archway Gallery presents 17th Annual Juried Exhibition opening reception
Archway Gallery will present the opening of their 17th annual showcase of Houston's artistic voices. Prizes are awarded at the discretion of the juror and include cash awards for first, second, and third place winners. The first-place winner also receives guest artist privileges for one month at Archway Gallery. The exhibition is juried by Project Row Houses founder Rick Lowe and benefits Brave Little Company. Through Thursday, July 31. 5 pm.

Alley Theatre presents Agatha Christie's The Mirror Crack'd
Miss Marple, Agatha Christie's iconic sleuth, takes center stage in The Mirror Crack'd, a gripping, glamorous mystery based on Christie’s 1962 novel, making its U.S. premiere. When the filming of a star-studded movie in a quaint village leads to a chilling murder, everyone becomes a suspect. Miss Marple untangles a web of jealousy, ambition, and hidden truths. Can you solve who is behind it all? 8 pm. Through Sunday, August 17. (2 and 7:30 pm Sunday).

Sunday, July 13

Improv Houston presents Pete Holmes
Close the weekend out on an hilarious note by checking out Pete Holmes, during his final night of his three-night stint at Improv Houston. Perhaps the only aspiring youth pastor-turned-comedian-turned-talk-show-host-turned sitcom star in existence, Holmes was the creator and star of HBO's Judd Apatow-produced Crashing and TBS' Conan O'Brien-produced The Pete Holmes Show. Along with having comedy specials available on HBO and Netflix, he also hosts the long-running You Made It Weird podcast. 7:30 pm. (7:30 and 9:45 pm Friday; 7 and 9:30 pm Saturday).

Mei Semones in concert with Lionmilk
Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones will be performing at Asia Society Texas this weekend, in support of her recently released debut album, Animaru (the Japanese pronunciation of the word “animal”). With sophisticated declarations of non-romantic love — love of life, love of family, love of music and her guitar — Animaru exemplifies Mei’s enchantingly wide range as a songwriter and musician, including some of the most challenging and most straightforward songs she has ever written. 7:30 pm.

Smart Financial Centre presents Disney '80s-'90s Celebration in Concert
Disney '80s-'90s Celebration in Concert features the best Disney and Pixar hits from two iconic decades. Broadway-star vocalists flashback through a defining generation of music, with show-stopping performances, rock-concert lighting and larger-than-life animation. Guests can go from "Zero to Hero" until they're seeing it "I 2 I" with fan-favorite moments from Hercules, A Goofy Movie, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, Newsies, Aladdin, Tarzan, The Lion King, Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, The Disney Afternoon, and more. 7:30 pm.

Photo courtesy of Kesha

Kesha performs in The Woodlands on Thursday.

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