Not Knowing

The title "Not Knowing" is germane. We never actually know if Umut is gay or not just as we don't know the result of the visit to the police station at the end of the film. We are never told if Dad is having an affair with his (ex) secretary or if Mum might have one with her old lawyer friend. The film alludes to its subject matter and themes in way that maintains tension and interest.

Some parts of the first half dragged a bit but nowhere near enough for a viewer to lose interest. The second half picked up pace and there was genuine emotion being provoked after Umut's departure.

This was a film set amongst cosmopolitan city people - it seems unlikely that some of the ideas and morality prevalent amongst the adults would have been acceptable in rural Anatolia. The teens were just like nasty teens anywhere - they perceived a weakness and pounced on it. Even in the most trendy schoolyards of London "gayboy" is a favoured term of abuse.

This film was a real spellbinder - there wasn't a moment where one felt the need to look at the clock. The mark would have been a nine were it not for the few scenes a third of the way through that had seemed a bit slow.

Even though the main theme was gay bullying, the emphasis on refugees in the background was not good and some of the acting was mediocre. Aside from everything else, such topics are especially important for our country's film industry.

The question the swimming coach should have asked the leader of the bullies who want Umut banned from showering and undressing with them is "Isn't the problem really that you yourself can't cope with the feelings the sight of his naked body arouse in you? Isn't that why you want him out of your sight?" As to the other team members who side with the leader, they are just scared of being accused of being gay themselves if they don't go along with wanting the ban. Being gay is still that difficult to accept.... This said, I'm not sure Umut's total silence is justified by the plot - at least, even, where his mother is concerned. But apart from that it's a well-made film, it's Turkish setting is a refreshing change, and Umut is beautiful.

This film was very uneven, and I really place the lion's share of the blame at the feet of the lead actor, who I felt was very unconvincing. The story is good, and the way the homophobia and prejudice tears the family apart is very effective, but I hit such a wall with the acting, unfortunately. I'm delighted this Turkish film exists, though. If you want to see a GREAT queer Turkish film, however, run don't walk to Love, Spells, and All That!

Powerful (and cathartic) movie on the classic topic of bullying.

It's also an audacious critique of social norms and hypocrisy in contemporary Turkish society. Not much happens with the plot but what matters is the rendition of an atmosphere of suffocation. The film is also very brave for its treatment of sexual minorities in a homophobic country. We need more parents to watch movies like Not Knowing. They have the best intentions but add too much pressure when support and empathy are urgently needed.

The movie reminded me of The Swimmer (Adam Kalderon, 2021) for the omnipresence of the swimming pool and the brutal dynamics between the athletes.