Review of Weekend (2011) by Nelson A. R — 07 Oct 2011

An overrated gay independent film that's successfully marketed. I really think that the repetitive opinion voiced by Chris New in the movie, that straight audiences avoid movies about gay men but love violent movies rings true with mainstream critics. Also, the movie offers glimpses of the two handsome actors naked to entice gay audiences.

The positives are the movie is sincere about the two main characters and genuine in presenting how 2 men, looking for a quickie would fall into a friendship or relationship. Both actors are convincing, Tom Cullen is a sexy bear but Chris New has the juicy role. The movie offers different opinions about relationships, dating, sexuality, and homophobia but does so in a non-judgmental way; it's up to audience to think. It's similar to a Woody Allen movie without the wit.

However, nothing much happens and listening to these men talk is similar to watching paint dry, if that's your pleasure. It's slow and almost put me to sleep. Also, it's a little deceiving. The men meet at a bar and spend the night and then have coffee. I'm sorry but that's no longer a one-night stand but entering "dating" territory. Those guys have issues but are lonely hearts which would be a more meaningful focus. Even the "Weekend" of the title is deceving. It basically starts on Friday night, Sat. morning coffee, nothing happens on Sat. pm, continues on Sat. night, nothing happens on Sun. am, and ends on Sun. afternoon--not an entire weekend. I presume the movie is semi-biographical by writer/director Andrew Haigh. It's a British film so that might explain the documentary feel to it. It's not a bad movie, just slight.