Plainclothes

Plainclothes

An excellent movie set in the 90's that explored the reality of being gay and trying to deny that truth in a straight world of friends and family. Supposedly built on a true story.

The ever present expectations of everyone around you to be what they expect you to be, is well played out in this movie.

Tom Blyth plays Lucas, a cop, who detail at the present is entrapment of gay men, here he meets Russell Tovey, who's playing Andrew and there is an instant connection. The movie skirted around the all to common reality that many a gay man cannot realised his true sexuality whilst his parents are alive and then when that moment arrives all hell breaks loose.

This was a cleverly scripted and crafted movie that alternated between the police work and the embryonic romantic relationship between Lucas and Andrew. There is more than an element of fixation on Lucas's part as this is his first entanglement.

I thought this was all played very convincingly and stated in spades no one can choose their sexuality or sexual preference regardless of their own intellectual desires, it just cannot be denied.

I'm going to give this firm 8 outta 10, a most believable set of scenarios.

It's so hard to believe that in mid/late 90s the US hunted for homosexuals training police officers to lure them in public toilets only to arrest them and thus ruin their lives. One of these young policemen is a closeted gay man who does this very thing until something happens and he can't do this any more.

The movie is very recent but it is styled as if it was really made in the 1990s, which makes it even more plausible and authentic. It is so easy and natural to relate to the entanglement the main character Lucas is in and how terribly scared he is. And how brave he feels he needs to be in order to overcome the shame and pave himself his own road to liberation, whatever the costs.

Amazing acting, great cast and superb photography. Bravo!

I went into this film blind and did not know what to expect .Found Great acting and and an amazing capture of the stress, anxiety and fear one felt in the late 90's being a closeted gay man; told with flashbacks of home movie clips appropriate for each time period from the 70's 80's and 90's. It really highlights the trauma done to men who experience this. The panic sequences were really well done I hope younger audiences can appreciate that it wasn't as easy back then.

I felt what the characters felt, i've been there. I was stunned that a film can make me remember those feelings. Fear, panic, compassion and tears means a job well done.

The film has the intimate feel of an exclusive memoir, the chemistry between the two actors takes the audience's breath away, the wonderful performances and images make an old story very beautiful, and the language of the shots can make you feel it!

The first encounter between the two actors is well shot, and the first half of the film is when the audience is fascinated by their story. The film's biggest feature is the way it is edited, the old DV machine cuts and the sound of the machine malfunctioning create a sense of tension and anxiety. As a fan of Russell Tovey, I think compared with his previous gay movies, his performance in this movie is very fitting and reaches another level.

From another perspective, this is like our real grindr story, sometimes you will fall in love with a stranger after ONS, which is beautiful, but it is painful and can not be eternal.

Definitely one of the films you must watch in 2025.

I hope we all find our own San Francisco.

Watched at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

The experiences of how gay individuals are going through and the homophobia around is sad and unfortunate, especially with today's climate. Director Carmen Emmi has created an interesting movie about heartbreak, lust, gay identity, and closeted emotions with great performances from Tom Blyth and Russell Tovey, atmospheres, direction, and writing throughout. The narrative strikes with some interesting themes, character dynamics and tension revolving around its setting. While it's conventional writing does have some moments that feel a bit messy, no doubt Emmi has an ambitious tale to tell.

The theme about love and the closeted aspects of being gay is explored pretty well. Examining the troubled effects and feelings one can go through and using a cop vibe approach is quite an interesting take. As mentioned, the main two lead performances are great as the feelings and emotions they are going through are both, while aren't perfect, understandable and honest. Editing wise, there are some weird editing choices that are a bit headaching, alongside with some strange dialogue choices and pacing that feels aimless.

Otherwise, it's a good romantic thriller that achieves with its purpose and themes. Providing a really good third act that leaves the satisfaction on rise.