A 'haunting masterpiece' of a drama is set to air on television tonight, leaving fans emotionally overwhelmed. The period piece, titled Queer, features Daniel Craig in the lead role and has been described as a 'masterful' work of cinema.
Broadcast Details
Queer will be broadcast on BBC Two at 11pm this evening (Friday, June 12). The film originally premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in 2024 and has since garnered a cult following. Viewers have called it 'jaw-droppingly incredible', making it ideal for late-night viewing.
Plot and Cast
Directed by Luca Guadagnino, with a screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes adapted from William S. Burroughs' 1985 novella, the film is set in 1950s Mexico City and Ecuador. It follows William Lee (Craig), an American expatriate who becomes obsessed with a younger man named Eugene Allerton, played by Drew Starkey. The official synopsis describes Lee's solitary life and his transformative encounter with Allerton, which offers a chance at genuine intimacy.
The ensemble cast includes Jason Schwartzman, Lesley Manville, Henrique Zaga, Drew Droege, Andra Ursuță, Ariel Schulman, Andrés Duprat, Omar Apollo, David Lowery, Lisandro Alonso, and Michaël Borremans.
Critical and Audience Reception
Although Queer underperformed at the box office, it received significant critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 77% approval rating from 245 reviews, with many critics highlighting Craig's performance. Audiences have also been effusive in their praise online.
One IMDb user wrote: 'Haunting masterpiece. This movie is certainly one of the greatest films ever made.' Another added: '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 commented: '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.'
A fourth fan echoed: 'Underappreciated masterpiece. Genuinely left me feeling the saddest I've ever felt.' Another shared: 'Queer captivated me from start to finish. Daniel Craig's portrayal of William Lee is nothing short of mesmerising.'
A sixth 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.'
Tune in to BBC Two tonight at 11pm to experience this emotional drama for yourself.
