Daniel Craig and Drew Starkley star in the film (Image: The Apartment S.r.l./ A24)
A 1950s-set period drama featuring a Hollywood A-lister has been hailed as ‘robbed of an Oscar’ by devoted viewers – and it’s airing on BBC2 this evening.
Queer unfolds across 1950s Mexico City and Ecuador, chronicling the story of an outsider American expatriate (portrayed by former James Bond star Daniel Craig) who develops an intense fascination with a considerably younger man named Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey).
Their connection propels them on a hallucinogenic, otherworldly odyssey through South America.
The picture made its debut at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in 2024 and draws from William S. Burroughs’ 1985 novella.
Whilst Craig’s iconic portrayal of James Bond might have threatened to eclipse this performance, admirers have showered the actor with acclaim for his work in this production.
Daniel Craig and Drew Strakley earned praise for their roles (Image: A24)
Critics have lauded the film, with one viewer commenting on Rotten Tomatoes, where it boasts a respectable 77 percent rating: « Daniel Craig was robbed 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. », reports the Mirror.
Another viewer said: « Stars Daniel Craig and Lesley Manville in an A24 Production. Atmospheric period 50s and well-wrought of production design. The lighting and set decoration are a joy to behold, and score is beautiful, moody and modern.
« 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.
Daniel Craig and Drew Starkley was premiered in 2024 (Image: Fremantle Media North America, Inc/ A24)
« 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, » a third viewer added.
Another comment read: « Really likes this film great acting and directing, I read the book like years ago and it fascinated me as a young fella, putting on screen was well done by the director. »
One viewer wrote: « Very realistic yet conceptual. It was interesting to see how each chapter was narrated in their own way, slowly turning conceptual and almost abstract. »
A further review noted: « 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.
« 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. »
Queer airs on Tuesday 10 February on BBC2 at 11pm.
