A24
Luca Guadagnino has done it again. The visionary director behind Call Me by Your Name, Challengers and Bones and All is back with Queer, a daring adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novella. This 2024 period drama takes viewers on a whirlwind journey through 1950s Mexico City, exploring love, obsession, and self-discovery in a way only Guadagnino can deliver.
What is the new movie Queer about?
Queer is a 2024 period romantic drama directed by Luca Guadagnino, based on William S. Burroughs’ 1985 novella of the same name. Set in 1950s Mexico City, the film follows William Lee (played by Daniel Craig), an American expat who has fled a drug bust in New Orleans. While drifting through the city’s nightlife, Lee becomes infatuated with Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), a younger American Navy veteran with a preppy background. Their affair unfolds against a backdrop of mid-century clubs and a complex exploration of identity, desire, and obsession.
Guadagnino’s adaptation stays true to the edgy, raw themes of Burroughs’ work, bringing a visually lush yet emotionally intense story to life. The film has been praised for its bold narrative, scandalous moments, and stunning performances, especially from Craig and Starkey.
Who is in the cast of Queer?
The film boasts a stellar cast, led by Daniel Craig as William Lee. Known for his versatility and intensity, Craig brings a raw vulnerability to the role of the disillusioned American expat according to early reviews. Opposite him is Drew Starkey, who plays Eugene Allerton, a younger man caught between Lee’s obsession and his own internal conflicts. Starkey, known for his breakout roles in Outer Banks and Hellraiser, has been praised by critics for his nuanced performance that captures Eugene’s complexity.
Supporting roles include rising star Coco Rebecca Edogamhe as Marjorie, a key figure in Eugene’s life, and Joaquim de Almeida as Captain Salvador, a mysterious figure navigating Mexico City’s underground scene. Guadagnino regular Dakota Johnson makes a surprise cameo, adding intrigue to the film’s layered narrative.
Where will Queer be released?
Queer premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2024, competing for the prestigious Golden Lion award. It also featured in the Spotlight Gala at the 62nd New York Film Festival, further cementing its status as one of the year’s most anticipated releases.
In the United States, A24 has scheduled a limited theatrical release for November 27, 2024, with a nationwide rollout on December 13. Internationally, the film’s release strategy varies by region, with MUBI handling distribution in certain territories. Unfortunately, Queer faced a ban in Turkey, which led to the cancellation of a film festival it was set to open.
The Australian premiere of the film will be at Westpac OpenAir on January 29, 2025, and Aussie viewers can expect a theatrical release to follow shortly, with streaming details to be confirmed.
What is the Queer movie based on?
Queer is based on the novella of the same name by counterculture icon William S. Burroughs. Though written in 1952, the novella wasn’t published until 1985 due to its controversial and deeply personal subject matter. The book serves as a semi-autobiographical exploration of Burroughs’ own experiences in Mexico City, blending his struggles with addiction, relationships, and identity.
The film’s screenplay, written by Justin Kuritzkes, retains the novella’s fragmented narrative style while working closely with Burroughs scholar Oliver Harris to create a fitting ending. Guadagnino describes the project as his most personal film yet, paying homage to Burroughs’ daring and unfiltered storytelling.
Where can I stream the movie Queer?
The movie Queer will be available on MUBI in select regions following its theatrical run. Distribution rights have also been secured by A24 for the United States. After a limited theatrical release starting November 27, 2024, Queer will see a wider release on December 13. While exact streaming details for countries like Australia are yet to be confirmed, platforms such as Prime Video or MUBI are strong contenders for its eventual digital debut., but we’ll keep you updated when we learn more.
