A period drama described as a "haunting masterpiece" is set to air on television tonight, and film enthusiasts are advised not to miss it. The film, titled Queer, first premiered in 2024 and has since been hailed by audiences as "jaw-droppingly incredible," making it ideal for late-night viewing.
Queer will be broadcast on BBC Two at 11pm this evening (Friday, June 12). It debuted at the 81st Venice International Film Festival nearly two years ago. Directed by Luca Guadagnino and written by Justin Kuritzkes, the film is based on the 1985 novella by William S. Burroughs.
Set in 1950s Mexico City and Ecuador, the story follows William Lee, an American expatriate played by Daniel Craig, who becomes infatuated with a much younger man named Eugene Allerton, portrayed by Drew Starkey. The official synopsis describes Lee's solitary existence in Mexico City, where he has few contacts with other Americans, until his encounter with Allerton offers the possibility of a genuine intimate connection.
The cast also includes Jason Schwartzman, Lesley Manville, Henrique Zaga, Drew Droege, Andra Ursuța, Ariel Schulman, Andrés Duprat, Omar Apollo, David Lowery, Lisandro Alonso, and Michaël Borremans. Despite a disappointing box office performance, the film received high praise from critics, with a 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 245 reviews. Much of the acclaim centered on Craig's performance.
Audiences have also expressed their admiration online. One IMDb user wrote: "Haunting masterpiece. This movie is certainly one of the greatest films ever made." Another commented: "Craig's masterful contrast to anything you've seen him in before. He's even better in this than James Bond. Absolute perfection." A third viewer stated: "A beautiful fever inducing, surreal, emotional film infused with magical realism. It left me in tears. Daniel Craig gives one of the performances of his career, completely transformed, magnetic, and mesmerising. You'll never forget it."
Additional reactions included: "Underappreciated masterpiece. Genuinely left me feeling the saddest I've ever felt," and "Queer captivated me from start to finish. Daniel Craig's portrayal of William Lee is nothing short of mesmerising." Another viewer remarked: "Queer is a powerful reminder that empathy and inclusivity are essential for human connection. Guadagnino's nuanced storytelling transforms Lee's personal struggle into a universal call for understanding and compassion."
Queer airs tonight (Friday, June 12) at 11pm on BBC Two.
