Review of Holding the Man (2015) by Meredith W — 10 Jan 2016

While it is indeed rare it is for a move to do its source material justice, "Holding the Man" does exactly this in bringing Timothy Conigrave's memoir of the same name (more so that its stage adaptation) to the screen.

In its telling of a 15 year relationship of gay men from teenager infatuation through to the early years of the Aids epidemic, it is first and foremost a love story (despite its many sometimes quite graphic sex scenes).

But it is also a powerful and moving snapshot of a point in history, which it portrayal with integrity, never demonising, for example, John's father (Anothony Lapaglia) who is unable to accept his son's sexuality.

By contrast, as Tim's father, Guy Pearce is more accepting in response, giving audiences one of many emotional scenes. The performances are excellent, with the supporting cast representing a who's who of Australian drama.

And the soundtrack is one of the best out there. But just like the novel, while it may be a beautiful story, it is ultimately a very sad one so be ready to cry buckets.