5 Queer Films To Watch This Pride

Watch these 5 movies that depict the queer experience in all its complexities.

By Gabe Romero

1) Maurice (1987)

directed by James Ivory

Now, this is what I call a gay trifecta: directed by James Ivory, produced by his real life-partner Ismail Merchant and all while adapting an E.M. Forster novel! Maurice is a coming-of-age story of a gay man trying to find love at a time where laws of indecency and codes of morality govern society in Edwardian-era England.

TRIVIA FACT: Gay author E.M. Forster wrote the novel in 1913 with no intention to publish, fearing legal and public backlash. Instead, it was published posthumously in 1971.

Watch online at kanopy.com

2) A Fantastic Woman (2017)

directed by Pablo Larraín

Chilean film Una mujer fantástica is about a transgender woman named Marina who at every turn faces unjust treatment and is antagonized from the start, slowly pushing her to the fringes of society for simply existing. The film revolves around her boyfriend dying and his family refusing to acknowledge her and their relationship. Set in Santiago, Chile, the film explores the everyday indignities faced by the trans community.

TRIVIA FACT: Una mujer fantástica is the first Chilean film to win Best Foreign Film at the Oscars.

Watch online on Amazon Prime, Youtube, Google Play

3) Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971)

directed by John Schlesinger

Released in 1971, Sunday Bloody Sunday follows Bob an artist, who is in an open relationship with Alex a female job consultant and Daniel a gay doctor. No secrets, no lies, the film depicts a progressive relationship between consenting adults during the early 70’s hippy era. It's only when emotions of jealousy arise that things start to go sour. Openly gay director John Schlesinger based the movie on his own life.

TRIVIA FACT: You can spot a very young Daniel Day-Lewis as an extra playing vandal in a scene.

Rent on Amazon.com

4) Suddenly, Last Summer (1959)

directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Set in the south the film follows a mother’s attempt to conceal her late son’s “gay tendencies" at all cost. Starring Patron Saint Katherine Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and closeted actor Montgomery Clift, the plot is a campy melodrama where Hepburn tries to lobotomize her niece (Taylor). The latter might know a thing or two about Hepburn’s son's past. What a plot!

TRIVIA FACT: Gore Vidal adapted the film from a Tennessee Williams play.

Watch online on Youtube, Google Play

5) The Children’s Hour (1961)

directed by William Wyler

The Children’s Hour deals with the power of words and the true cost of rumours. Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine play the roles of school teachers accused of being lovers, GASP! The rumours start from playground gossip and alarm the parents, who become ever more concerned with what they’re hearing. Fair warning: this film is on the sad side and doesn’t have the happiest of endings.

TRIVIA FACT: The film is based on a play inspired by a true story dating back to Scotland in 1809, where two female teachers were accused of being lesbians.

Rent on Amazon.com

About the author

Gabe Romero Composer and Filmmaker — **Gabe Romero**
*Composer and Filmmaker*

Gabe Romero is a Canadian-Chilean Calgary based filmmaker and composer. His short films which he has both written and directed have premiered at the Calgary International Film Festival in 2016 and the Vancouver International Film Festival in 2018.

He has received critical acclaim from The Huffington Post and CBC Radio One.

Romero has been recognized for both his film and musical abilities as he received a nomination for his second EP “SUBURBAN SOUL TRAIN" at the YYC Music Awards 2016. He has been a composer for several short films such as "A Walk Down to Water" and "All Saints".

Read the full interview with Gabe Romero.

Pride In Business article in partnership with TD.
By Gabe Romero