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.

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.

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 liked this movie Mates which was a very low budget film but done very well and the ending makes it enjoyable.

This movie has its flaws in storytelling but anyone in the LGBTQ world can relate to the longing and heartache of starting a possible relationship.

The bully Mark, one has to think is he indeed jealous of his open minded friend Nathan and did they ever fool around?

And is Connor in love with Nathan as he travels over and hour to jog with his friend ? What more lies behind their motivations if any.

Adam is a very relaxed enjoyable open gay young man hiking with his father who accepts and loves him in whatever his life choices are a nice touch.

As a inde film producer myself ( Sister Mary ) I know how these reviews go because everyone with a PC thinks they are a critic and don't realize how hard it is to Produce a movie on a budget, that said I think this is a wonderful movie and I truly hope to see a sequel at some point. There is so much more to this story that can be explored. Cheer's James.

I managed twenty minutes and, in a flash of anger at the time I was wasting, switched the whole unconvincing, sorry, amateurish mess off.

The first spoken dialogue during the jog in the park engendered the idea in me that this was going to be a talentless, poorly-acted, badly-scripted farago of tosh. Do those "actors" actually have Equity cards? If so, the union should swoop down and confiscate them so these utterly dire people never sully our screens again.

This was so bad that it was embarrassing; I actually felt sorry for the actors having to recite these lines and act out this nonsense despite their complete uselessness.

It's gone, deleted and good riddance.