“Down Low” is a new queer comedy that premiered at the SXSW Film Festival last weekend, and it’s already getting rave reviews for its chaotic, sex-positive storyline. Directed by Rightor Doyle, the film stars Lukas Gage as Cameron, a sex-positive masseur and twink, and Zachary Quinto as Gary, a terminally ill rich man who’s never had a full sexual experience with another man. Co-written by Gage, the film also features Judith Light, Simon Rex, and Audra McDonald in supporting roles.
The film begins with a handjob scene between Gage and Quinto, and it only gets messier from there. After their encounter, Gage’s character helps Gary join a queer dating app, and they go in search of a third under the screen name “Lad and Dad.” They soon meet Sammy, a closeted third who ends up falling out of a window and dying. The film is peppered with camp references to queer culture, and Variety has dubbed it a gay version of the 2009 cishet phenomenon, The Hangover.
Despite its outrageous and morbid moments, director Doyle insists that there’s a “beating heart” underneath it all. He describes the film’s humor as fresh and outrageous, mixed with a deeply feeling, wanting, unsettled love that’s beating underneath it. It’s a sex-positive and hilarious take on queer culture that’s sure to leave audiences laughing and gasping for more.
There’s no official release date for “Down Low” yet, but it’s already generating buzz and anticipation among fans of queer comedy. With a star-studded cast and a provocative storyline, it’s sure to be one of the most talked-about films of 2023.
