by Shane Conto
Did any of you also think this film was about a literal band? Much to my surprise…it was not. But I guess that is what I get for not really watching trailers anymore. Or reading the synopsis! But in the end, that doesn’t really matter because this claustrophobic little drama has plenty of excitement. The scene is set in 1968 and group of gay men come together for a party to celebrate one of their birthdays. But the party takes a turn when one of the men’s former roommates shows up. What can possibly go wrong?
The Boys in the Band comes from the acclaimed play that was so relevant in its time…and this adaptation is still in so many ways.
Joe Mantello, hot on the heels of his work on Netflix’s Hollywood, partners with Netflix again to bring a voice to the LGBTQ+ community. This adaptation of The Boys in the Band not only puts gay men at the forefront of its story, but also gives gay actors the chance to portray them. I will take more in depth about the performances later, but Mantello is able to create this environment that really brings out the very best performances out of this stacked cast. Now one of the weakest aspects of this particular adaptation is that well…it feels like a play. There are some moments where they try to do some different camera movements to shake up the presentation, but they are not enough to make this film feel cinematic. That lack of a cinematic feel creates a feeling of static energy. Luckily the cast and their fast and sharp interactions help with the pacing. I never once felt bored watching this film as it brings plenty of style and energy to go along with the great design.
The original playwright, Mart Crowley, worked on the screenplay for this adaptation who brought the heart and mind of his original work.
This film has plenty to say about the gay community and the complexities of different perspectives. Not only do we get to see a variety of men in terms of traditional masculinity, but also from various ethnic backgrounds which adds layers to the character relationships. At the heart of the film is also themes focusing on coming to grips with one’s sexuality. We get to see men put on façades to interact with others and we see the emotional struggle that comes along with that code switching. The presence of alcohol plays a really significant role in the film as it exacerbates the emotions of every character leading to so many raw and intense moments. The characters are all layered and have significantly unique complexities. This allows the audience to take in so many different perspectives. The story is a powder keg of underlying issues that keep getting pushed closer and closer to the top. The tension in this film is incredible as each of our characters arrive at the needed crossroads in their journey.
The most important aspect of the film that really makes this whole affair work is the charismatic and motivated cast.
I could spend a whole article talking about each of the performances in this film. Jim Parsons’s central performance as our host and the purveyor of the emotional carnage that ensues is everything that he does great. Parson’s is biting and sarcastic. He pulls no punches as he aggressively stirs the plot to the point of eruption. His character Michael is caustic and really performs the role of antagonist. Matt Bomer is much more reserved and honestly doesn’t get nearly enough to do in the film. He is a subtle and steady anchor to the rest of the cast. Zachary Quinto gets an impressive entrance and his scenery chewing is even more impressive. The three biggest names in the film do take an emotional backseat to Robin de Jesus, Michael Benjamin Washington, and Tuc Watkins. Each of these actors delivered deeply moving performances that really stood out.
But….the real MVP of this film is Andrew Rannells who delivers in every way possible.
In the end, does The Boys in the Band really stand as a great film? Netflix’s latest outing never quite has that “film feel”, but does this work deliver some serious emotional moments and paint a picture of deep and meaningful themes? You are damn right it does. Are you going to hop on Netflix this weekend to check out The Boys in the Band? If so, buckle up because you are in for a bumpy emotional rollercoaster.
Grade: A-