Tags
2010's, Andrew Haigh, Chris New, Drama, Romance, Tom Cullen, Weekend
Film Title
Weekend
Director
Andrew Haigh
Starring
- Tom Cullen as Russell
- Chris New as Glen
A deeply arresting and genuine movie by writer/director Andrew Haigh about a chance encounter that segues into an unprepared, romantic connection between two men, Weekend is an intimate experience that reveals a personal and poignant story of finding what could be love in a short space of time.
In Nottingham, Russell is a relatively shy gay man who works as a lifeguard. While out of the closet, you get the feeling he’s not too comfortable with expressing his sexuality or embracing it. After a few drinks with his straight friends one Friday evening, he heads to a gay bar. Here he picks up Glen, who he takes back to his flat and they have sex. The next morning is when we learn more about both men. Glen is outgoing, assertive in his sexual preference and often defensive, whereas Russell has trouble really opening up and letting his guard down. Glen is doing an art project and recording the experiences he has with other men. At first, Russell feels very awkward at doing this but as talkative and commitment phobic Glen wins him over, the dynamic between them changes. What was expected to just be a bit of fun and mainly a one-night stand transforms into something very different for both of them over the weekend. Russell and Glen get more acquainted with each other as they meet up, do drugs, have sex and most importantly, forge something meaningful and not at all what either planned. Russell begins to remove the barriers he put up, while Glen struggles to come to terms with his longing for Russell that put at risk his phobia of commitment. As the connection grows and they both get more comfortable with each other, they have to contend with where this unexpected, romantic bond will go for both of them and what the future may hold as Glen will soon be leaving to live in America.
Andrew Haigh, who would later go on to direct the equally impressive 45 Years, really contributes a personal feeling to the film. As director and writer, his dialogue is so authentic and realistic that you often find yourself remembering that it is a film and not just watching two real people go through this. That’s the power of the film, you really get that intimacy and sincerity of real life through the journey of both men, figuring out what is next on the cards for them. Haigh discovers humour, pathos and romance in the gradual attraction of Russell and Glen, rounding out events with a real slice of life quality. The usage of natural lighting grounds everything in a realistic fashion, not needing any fancy edits or oodles of style to get to the point. Everything has a feeling of being a fly on the wall, which adds to the growing intimacy of the two men and the audience. Situations that are familiar to all of us; the first meaningful conversation, uneasy coming clean with buried angst and the connection of physical pleasure are all here in observant and clear-eyed fashion. Even the two main sex scenes, which while revealing and holding nothing back, have a depth as they showcase the changing dynamic of the relationship. In them, you can see these two people gaining acceptance and converging in a physical and mental way and finding solace and perhaps something else in each other’s arms . There are no big, melodramatic declarations of true love, overt tragedy or sappy ending to be found in Weekend, it is too perceptive and honest for that sort of thing. Instead, a sensitive bond that may be uncertain and unsteady yet loaded with unexpected connection forms between Russell and Glen, and is beautiful to observe. Now there are many that might label Weekend just a gay movie that only has limited appeal in terms of audience, but that does it a major disservice as it has things that will appeal to all walks of life. Topics of conversation may include aspects of defining homosexuality and prejudice, but the story itself has a far-reaching thematic value that is complimented by these insights. To be honest, the fear of getting close, awkwardness of realising attraction and confronting fears are the biggest points of the film that are observed with nuance and . I believe that anyone, no matter what your sexual orientation, will find something relatable and truthful in Weekend. It simply has a really intimate way of expressing itself through meaningful situations that seem real( as opposed to Hollywood gloss) and having a refreshing maturity and sincerity to them. And it doesn’t become pat or obvious in the long run either. As the title suggests, the film takes place within a short period of time. But that doesn’t mean that weekend is at all rushed. It favours the progressing approach that truly fleshes out both men and allows for souls to be bared and contemplate their feelings. Now if that sounds like the same old story that’s been done before, nothing could be further from the truth in Weekend. Sure are opposites who are attracted to each other, but it’s the almost documentary like execution of the piece that feels almost like a chamber work that lends a beautiful openness and emotional heft to it.
At the centre of it all are two marvellously engaging and natural performances from Tom Cullen and Chris New. Cullen possesses an affable but introverted manner that is perfectly used for Russell, who is often the more quiet of the two and not quite comfortable in his skin just yet. Complimenting this awkwardness is the bravado of Chris New, who lets us glimpse his characters reasoning for not wanting a relationship and how his show of brash attitude is something of a mask. Both performances are nuanced and organic, aiding the realistic tone of the movie and presenting two well-rounded individuals questioning things they never thought they’d have too. Plus, the burgeoning chemistry between the two is gradual and completely honest in every way. These two are simply sublime in a film that touches the soul and highlights how sometimes its easier to open up to a stranger than someone close.
A sensitive, heartfelt movie that boasts a naturalistic dialogue and unaffected, organic performances from the two leads, Weekend is a touching, perceptive and engaging film of two people finding an unexpected bond that will resonate with everyone for its universal messages and truths.
ninvoid99 said:
Truly a beautiful film and definitely touching as it reveals how normal gay relationships can be.
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vinnieh said:
You said it perfectly, my friend. It was a really heartfelt, realistic movie about two people unexpectedly connecting. Watching them bare their souls was a beautiful thing.
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ivansblogworld said:
Excellent story Ivan.
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vinnieh said:
Hi Ivan. This film truly touched me with its heart and authenticity. Genuinely felt like I was watching two people fall in love and not a movie.
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beetleypete said:
Nice review mate. This one looks worth a watch. I hadn’t heard of it.
Cheers, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
It’s worth your time. So universal in how it looks at a chance meeting blossoming into something else. We watch these guys finally let their guard down and reveal themselves in ways they’d never dreamed of before.
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vinnieh said:
It was the intimacy and no frills approach that really made this film. No flashy tricks, just a heartfelt yet realistic romance.
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heartsetonliving said:
I love this film, it’s one of my favourites. Great soundtrack too.
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vinnieh said:
It’s a sublime movie, isn’t it? So natural and touching. You could feel the growing attraction of Russell and Glen as their relationship deepened over the course of the days.
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keepsmealive said:
Not one I might’ve found on my own, but now I need to see it.
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vinnieh said:
Oh you must, it’s a really universal story of longing and identity.
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keepsmealive said:
Surely it has The Weeknd on the soundtrack? 😉
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vinnieh said:
Actually the soundtrack is largely minimal. It enhances the growing relationship a lot and there are moments when it feels so authentic as watching real people.
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keepsmealive said:
Excellent. It’s better when you can feel your face.
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vinnieh said:
Haha, so very true.
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Kaustav Ray said:
Great read! Enjoyed it thoroughly.
Here’s my latest blog post about the new wave and highly influential modern hip hop scene. It’s a great read and a landmark for my music blog. Do check it out here.
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vinnieh said:
I’m a tad busy today, but have bookmarked that post to read. Very much look forward to it.
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Kaustav Ray said:
Take your time! 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Thanks, what did you think of this review?
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raistlin0903 said:
One of the things that I always really enjoy about your reviews, is how you manage to convince me in checking out movies that I might even have passed by had I not read your post. I really like the part where you wrote that there is something in this film for everyone no matter what your sexual orientation is. And that’s great. Way too often people tend to put too many labels on things, and comdemn a certain class of people. I have always hated that. And that I think is one of the truly great powers of film: it brings people together into sometimes very unexpected ways. This was a great review my friend and I’m certainly going to check this film out. 😊
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vinnieh said:
Well, I am very happy that you think that about my reviewing. While the film is about two men falling in love, it has a universal tone and the growing feelings between them are so relatable to anyone. Cinema does bring people together, which is fantastic as society could do with more support of each other.
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raistlin0903 said:
I always am pretty much open for everything, as long as it’s done well. And this movie really sounds like it hits all the right notes. So yeah, will do my best to try and track this one down 😊
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vinnieh said:
So wonderful that you are an open-minded individual. That’s the best way to be. This movie almost feels like you’re watching real people, it achieves such a level of intimacy. The awkwardness, uncertainty and care that the characters experience feels so authentically done. The dialogue does the same thing. When it comes to the sex scenes, they are tender and you really feel the connection for Russell and Glen. It’s not just there for excitement, it genuinely moves the story and actions.
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raistlin0903 said:
Yeah, I never put labels on anything. Don’t see the point. Each and everyone of us has their own strengths and weaknesses, and that’s what is so great about being human.
I always like it when a movie gives you the feeling that you are not watching a movie anymore. That I think is one of the highest levels of praise a film can achieve 😊
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vinnieh said:
I never see the point in labels. Every single one of us is a unique individual. This movie almost feels a bit like a documentary because of how it’s shot.
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Touch My Spine Book Reviews said:
Sounds like an awesome film! I am all about supporting the LGBT or whatever you may be community! Love is about hearts not parts. I definitley will have to watch this film.
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vinnieh said:
It’s a truly wonderful and human story. Hearts not parts, that’s so true.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This really sounds like a beautiful movie Vinnie. I’m hoping I can get it through the library.😊
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vinnieh said:
I’d love to know what you made of it, Kim. It’s so natural and authentically done. You feel like you’re watching two real people fall in love.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I haven’t found it at my local libraries, but I’m going to keep looking.
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vinnieh said:
That’s great to know. It’s definitely worth watching.
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TheCommonPictures said:
One aspect that is noteworthy is your words are captivating. And that is so because you write in a flow which engages the reader deeply. It is something I rarely find nowadays in other articles or reviews. It is evident that you don’t write for the sake of writing. 🙂
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vinnieh said:
I adore writing about movies as there is so much to say. Movies are my passion and I love that you find my reviews captivating.
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TheCommonPictures said:
Movies being our passion too I can totally understand the inner drive that motivates you to write about cinema. 🙂
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vinnieh said:
I love having a cinematic drive.
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TheCommonPictures said:
Me & my friend we are great lovers of cinema. This is exactly why we started our blog. To explore, share and learn from movie lovers like you. 🙂 Feel free to visit our blog sometimes 🙂 I would be delighted.
https://thecommonpictures.wordpress.com/
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vinnieh said:
I follow your blog already and really like it. Just been a bit busy lately, but I’ll stop on over when I can.
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TheCommonPictures said:
Sure 🙂
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maddylovesherclassicfilms said:
Great review. Sounds good. I love films focusing on the development of intimacy between characters.
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vinnieh said:
Oh this is a lovely and honest film, Maddy. The dialogue has such a ring of truth and authenticity. And as I said, regardless of your sexual orientation, this film speaks to everyone.
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Imperium Woodcraft said:
Wow great review! I haven’t seen this but hope to! Thanks for posting
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vinnieh said:
It comes highly recommended from me. You’re bound to be moved by the story.
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Michelle 🌈 said:
I hadn’t heard of this one, but I’m definitely going to check it out!
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vinnieh said:
It’s a really honest and nuanced movie. Very up close and personal, which adds to the naturalness of it all. The use of natural lighting adds immensely to it, and the fact that it’s not overly flashy. Instead it favours an almost documentary like camera to chart the brief but profound impact each guy has on the other.
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benleander said:
Thanks for sharing. I liked it very much! More in depth than mine but I see that you’re also truly passionate about the movie! I’ll also have to check ou 45 years.
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vinnieh said:
It was a movie that really touched me. It all felt so true to life and honest.
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jamiedixon2015 said:
Thanks for directly me to this Vinnie! Never heard of it before but it sounds like a great film. LGBT+ characters often don’t come as fully fleshed-out or get given the depth they deserve. I’d definitely be interested to see this! Great work.
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vinnieh said:
I highly recommend it, my friend. It’s so honest and realistic.
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