The BBC is set to broadcast a critically acclaimed period drama tonight that has sparked considerable debate among cinema enthusiasts, with many asserting it was unjustly overlooked during awards season. The film, titled 'Queer', features a stellar performance by Hollywood icon Daniel Craig and is scheduled to air on BBC2.
A Compelling Narrative Set in the 1950s
'Queer' is a coming-of-age story that unfolds against the vibrant backdrop of 1950s Mexico City and Ecuador. The plot centres on an American expatriate, portrayed by Daniel Craig, who becomes deeply infatuated with a significantly younger man named Eugene Allerton, played by Drew Starkey. This intense attraction propels the pair on a surreal and psychologically complex journey across South America.
Based on Literary Heritage
The movie is an adaptation of William S. Burroughs' 1985 novella of the same name. It made its prestigious debut at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in 2024, garnering attention for its bold thematic exploration and artistic execution.
Audience and Critical Acclaim
Despite Daniel Craig's global fame primarily stemming from his role as James Bond, audiences have heaped praise on his performance in this film. On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, 'Queer' holds a respectable score of 77 percent, with numerous viewers expressing strong opinions about its merits.
Voices from the Viewing Public
One enthusiast remarked, "Daniel Craig was robbed of a nomination for this role. He’s outstanding in this. A surprisingly funny movie too. Very sad ending that will sit with me for a while."
Another viewer elaborated, "Stars Daniel Craig and Lesley Manville in an A24 Production. Atmospheric period 50s and well-wrought production design. The lighting and set decoration are a joy to behold, and the score is beautiful, moody, and modern."
They added, "Perhaps the daring subject keeps it in the media periphery, but I thought this was a well-intentioned, well-crafted period picture about the bold life of a bold man. Craig's performance is as pained as it is exacting, revealing a depth of the actor that I hadn't seen in his formulaic action pictures."
Further Commendations
A third comment highlighted, "Daniel Craig delivers a performance that’s both sharp and searching, proof that his craft is never on autopilot. Paired with a taut, enigmatic narrative, this film refuses to sit quietly in the corner of cinema—it’s something stranger, bolder, and far more magnetic."
Additional feedback included, "Really liked this film; great acting and directing. I read the book years ago and it fascinated me as a young fella, putting it on screen was well done by the director."
Another perspective noted, "Very realistic yet conceptual. It was interesting to see how each chapter was narrated in their own way, slowly turning conceptual and almost abstract."
Lasting Cinematic Impression
A fifth reviewer observed, "It leaves a lasting impression. It's strange, not so much because of the relationship between the two protagonists — which is actually quite common, with one refusing to acknowledge his homosexuality and ending up torturing the other to exhaustion, remaining cold and emotionally indifferent — but because of certain scenes that strongly recall the world of David Lynch."
They concluded, "Knowing what William S. Burroughs' life was like, it's clear that the film is very much inspired by his own life experience. Daniel Craig is impeccable. And the music is magnificent."
Broadcast Details
'Queer' will be televised on BBC2 tonight, Tuesday 10 February, at 11pm, offering viewers a chance to experience this discussed and debated cinematic work firsthand.
