Longing in Denial: A Queer Review & Analysis

Another must-watch from Luca Guadagnino, Queer exists as a film that shares a familiar narrative with plenty of twists, turns, and visually experimental feats. Centering Lee, played by Daniel Craig, the film focuses on Lee’s loneliness as he goes about his routines and daily life in 1950s Mexico, that is, until Eugene, played by Drew Starkey, comes into the picture. A cure for his loneliness, Lee becomes infatuated with Eugene, and the two share plenty of romantic and sexual moments together. The two set out together on a trip, presenting the fluctuations of their toxic relationship, culminating in the final act of the film that takes on a psychedelic, experimental sequence for the introduction of the drug that the two sought out.

The themes of longing, single-sided impacts, denial, the brevity of love, and more all percolate throughout the duo’s time in Mexico, as well as the journey that Lee and Eugene set out on. Through the hot and cold of their relationship, we see Lee deal with a variety of emotions. Eugene embodies the themes of denial in his avoidance and reluctant acceptance of Lee after their initial meeting and time together. Lee acts as a catalyst to experience the theme of longing in his holding out for Eugene, even after their time together in the jungle and Eugene’s leaving. Beyond this, Lee experiences the brunt of Eugene’s on-and-off moments, highlighting the one-sided nature of their relationship. Following the psychedelic sequence, the film’s ending brings out the brevity that love can take on as well as the lasting impact it can hold on individuals and their lives.

With the building nature of this film, the ending takes on this spiralling of themes and employs a symbolic approach to Lee’s reflection and understanding. During the drug trip in the jungle, Eugene admits to not being queer, upsetting Lee and marking the turn into the end of the film. Through symbols like the motel as a doll house, the snake eating itself, the centipede moving forward, and more, we see the life of Lee and Eugene playing out. In a broader sense, Lee’s symbol of the snake depicts an inability to escape his vices and also his feelings surrounding Eugene, while the centipede moving forward highlights the ability Eugene has to move on and keep this in his past.

Overall, I would recommend watching Queer to anyone who is interested in a thematic look at challenges surrounding queerness and the loneliness that can come from that. Not to mention the lengths an individual may go to remedy that isolation. If you are looking for a happy ending, this is not the film for you, but it will definitely leave you at a point of reflection that can be equally satisfying.