B&B

A great and unique thriller. B&B represents gay men not as people always chasing after sex - as in so many "worthy" LGBTQ films but our heroes are as a married couple who love each other. With more twists and turns than a country road B&B will keep you guessing right up until the end.

I was invited by a friend to see B&B at the CineStudio in Hartford, CT. In fact this was B&B's second US preview, followed by an outdoor celebration of the Out Film CT Organization's 30th LGBT Anniversary Film Festival. What a great night it was...

Movie starts with a gay couple checking into a B&B. In the beginning I felt I was watching a TV movie because there was no background music. Soundtrack did come later on to add the feeling needed to this fast paced Hitchcock style thriller. There was not a single dull moment after all and crowd was either giggling or impatiently mumbling, waiting what will happen next. I enjoyed the well selected cast and sets, especially the park scenes (I am not going to tell you), filmed with a special night-vision camera, which I think could have been more erotic and extended. Of course that's my personal idea.

This is my 3rd movie review here and, I am very happy to be the first reviewer of this great movie. Don't miss it.

I wanted to watch this because I've seen Callum Woodhouse in "The Durrells" and "All Creatures Great and Small" and wanted to see how he'd handle a more serious role. He did well, in a supporting role, but I had great difficulty in following the film. I admit I watched it on an iPad and not a TV, but the real problem was with the lighting. Almost every scene was too dark to see what was going on. I turned the brightness up, but still too dark.

As to the plot itself, it was rather convoluted. Yes, there were plot twists but the development was poor. It really could have been much better, which was disappointing because I was hoping for something more. Good actors were put in a mediocre movie.

Though some criticise "B&B" for its leisurely pace, I found myself engrossed from the intriguing opening scene. The film avoids preaching, instead presenting both sides of the central conflict, leaving the audience to grapple with its complexities. While it may not be unforgettable, it's a satisfying watch for those who enjoy an understated thriller with surprising twists.

The true strength of "B&B" lies in its well-crafted characters. The initial depiction of the B&B owner as self-righteous is cleverly subverted by his subsequent actions. This multi-dimensionality extends to all the characters, deepening the film's intrigue. Strong performances further enhance the believability of these characters.

The film works well within its modest means, wringing life-or-death drama out of what is essentially a debate over the accuracy of one man's gaydar. The tension is palpable, and the stakes feel high despite the seemingly trivial premise. However, a more polished script and greater attention to cinematography could have elevated the film even further, adding depth and visual appeal to the story.

Despite its merits, "B&B" could have benefited from a slightly longer runtime to allow for a more fleshed-out story, potentially incorporating the hinted-at prequel. The film opens with a newspaper headline, "Homosexuals sue Christian for double bed," setting the stage for the ensuing drama.

Overall, "B&B" is recommended, particularly for those who appreciate a slow-burning mystery with shocking twists and complex characters. It might not linger in your memory, but it provides a compelling and thought-provoking experience for its audience.

This is an amateurish "mystery". Is it somebody's grad thesis film? The characters are one-dimensional clichés trapped in contrived situations. The wires are all showing. Too bad, because the concept could have worked, perhaps as a campy horror film.