Mates

"Mates" (2023) is a heartwarming film that explores themes of sexuality and masculinity in a gentle and relatable manner. The movie showcases strong male characters, both gay and straight, set against the backdrop of a stunning hiking trail in England. Despite not being groundbreaking in the realm of LGBTQ+ cinema, "Mates" offers a sweet and nice-natured story with beautiful nature locations that highlight the UK's scenic beauty.

Reviewers have praised the film for its simplicity, character development, and cozy vibe, making it a pleasant watch for a laid-back afternoon. While some technical aspects may not be perfect, the unpredictability of the characters and their interactions keeps viewers engaged. Overall, "Mates" is a charming addition to gay films in 2023.

This could have been so much better. The message was well setup but the plot waa pedestrian, the script amateur at best.

It comes across like a college drama class attempt at a movie.

The cinematography is good but the chemistry and the dialogue is severely short of the mark and doesn't drive the film forward.

A disappointing unfulfilled destination. Cut off with no resolution, thus following the standard trope of gay fim endings.

Sadness, loss, missed chances and a general downer.

I thought we had moved on with gay movies by now and stopped being locked into the victim and outsider narrative.

The most realistic part was the bully who actually delivered a good performance that felt natural.

The protagonist character was so isolated that it made no sense that he would have even embarked on the journey. This wasn't so much about gay guilt, shyness or subconscious homophobia but more about depression, self confidence and mental health.

You can feel sorry for someone only so far. But when they don't try to engage and accept friendship their fate become a self fulfilling prophecy.

Connor, the protagonist as such became irritating, selfish and a general tantrum driven bore. I would have had far less patience with someone who doesn't even try to embrace their own existence.

It's all bad, but I think honestly the biggest problem with this movie is it's marketing. It's being sold as a straight guy being seduced when that's not what happens at all. A gay-played guy accepts his sexuality and gets preyed on by a creep instead.

The first scene where they meet is honestly so creepy, and although it gets better that never rubs off. Their relationship starts such on the wrong foot that it can't get better.

The score is also a problem. It feels like it's trying to remind us of Brokeback Mountain, but it does so only superficially. Unfortunately the movie can't hope to reach that level. But dear God does it try so often. That same overwrought theme is played repeatedly.

But at no point in the film do we see any real basis for a relationship between the main character and his stalker.

Seen it three times now. It gets better each time. The dialogue is crisp and natural. Nothing is spelled out so you need to observe and think.

This movie is not for everyone. But I loved it. The acting is exceptional.

Sam Law is a special standout, however. He has blazing star potential if he can just get in the right project.

Also the direction is exceptional, keeping track of not only the group dynamics but also the various one on one relationships while giving everyone a concrete character arc cannot be an easy task.

It follows four men on a camping trip, there is a mix of prior relationships and new relationships. As the four get to know each other (It's really a group of three with an outsider that keeps interrupting them) the dynamic changes slowly but steadily until we are at a vastly different situation than which we started. I really don't want to say any more because there are so many rewarding small surprises tucked into this film that one only discovers upon repeat viewings.

Hopefully this movie will find an audience. It deserves it in spades.

I loved it. Time flew by so fast ! I think I might see it again.

I liked travelling through England's green hills, brooks and forests. I thought the actors were good. I really enjoyed seeing such a caring father and the story between Connor is his new friend is sweet. This is somethin that one can easily imagine to happen and it might those who might identify as a Connor. At last, it's really great to be able to have a good time watching a love story full of respect, tenderness and courage.

It's definitely a must see for eveyone but I'd say it can lit a spark into anyone who wants to believe in casual encounters.