A 'haunting masterpiece' period drama is set to air on BBC Two tonight, leaving viewers in tears and earning praise as 'nothing short of mesmerising'. The film, titled 'Queer', originally premiered in 2024 and has been hailed as 'jaw-droppingly incredible' by fans, making it an ideal late-night watch.
Broadcast Details
'Queer' is scheduled to broadcast on BBC Two at 11pm this evening (Friday, June 12), following its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival nearly two years ago. The romantic period drama was helmed by director Luca Guadagnino, working from a screenplay penned by Justin Kuritzkes, itself adapted from William S. Burroughs' 1985 novella.
Plot and Setting
Set against the backdrop of 1950s Mexico City and Ecuador, the film centres on a reclusive American expatriate, portrayed by Daniel Craig, who develops an intense obsession with a considerably younger man, played by Drew Starkey. 'It is 1950. William Lee, an American expat in Mexico City, spends his days almost entirely alone, except for a few contacts with other members of the small American community,' reads the official synopsis. 'His encounter with Eugene Allerton, an expat former soldier, new to the city, shows him, for the first time, that it might be finally possible to establish an intimate connection with somebody.'
Cast and Reception
The supporting cast features Jason Schwartzman, Lesley Manville, Henrique Zaga, Drew Droege, Andra Ursuța, Ariel Schulman, Andrés Duprat, Omar Apollo, David Lowery, Lisandro Alonso, and Michaël Borremans. Although the film failed to achieve box office success, it garnered significant critical acclaim, with Rotten Tomatoes currently showing a 77% approval rating based on 245 reviews. Craig's performance received particular commendation.
Viewer Reactions
Viewers have also lauded the drama on social media, with one IMDb user stating: '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 is even better in this than James Bond. Absolute perfection.' A third viewer remarked: '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 expressed similar sentiments, noting: 'Underappreciated masterpiece. Genuinely left me feeling the saddest I have ever felt,' while another shared: 'Queer captivated me from start to finish. Daniel Craig's portrayal of William Lee is nothing short of mesmerising.' A sixth audience member observed: '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' will air tonight (Friday, June 12) at 11pm on BBC Two.
