Read the rest of Nick and Kyle’s NewFest 2020 coverage here!
Cicada dir. Kieran Mulcare and Matthew Fifer
Cicada is kind of a slow-burner movie, although in this case it’s more of an exercise in allowing someone to reveal themselves to you, a process which takes time and patience. The movie is, ultimately, rather gentle and beautiful, a semi-autobiographical portrait of two men finding the strength to confront their personal traumas via their romantic relationship with each other. I do think that some things get lost in its placid presentation and lead Matt Fifer’s stoic performance. “Performance,” however, might not be the right metric for such a movie. Writer-director-lead Fifer is presenting his personal journey in fictionalized format, as is co-writer and co-lead Sheldon D. Brown. In that respect, it is a docufiction of two people confronting their own trauma, just as much as it is also an exploration of modern gay dating (even if the movie places unusual focus on just how irresistible and sexually prolific Fifer’s character is). Regardless, Brown is phenomenal, revealing so much of himself via his fictionalized version. And Cobie Smulders, Jason Greene, Bowen Yang, and Scott Adsit make some incredibly memorable appearances. Also, here’s a weird statement: David Burtka is amazing in this, the perfect comedic foil to the movie’s overall sensibilities.—NP
Gossamer Folds dir. Lisa Donato
While the titular role of Gossamer is ably played by the talented Alexandra Grey, the rest of the film fails to rise to her level. The script feels out of date, and not just because the film itself is set in the 1980s. It doesn’t seem to have learned from the many trans stories we have, and insists on working with simple homophobic beats and lessons. The most interesting thing about Gossamer Folds is that Yeardley Smith, the voice of Lisa Simpson herself, is a producer and co-star of the film, something that was a bit jarring to see in the opening credits! —KA
Making Sweet Tea dir. Nora Gross and John L. Jackson Jr.
Making Sweet Tea is, quite simply, a perfect documentary. E. Patrick began this work as a scholarly book examining the lives and experiences of a group of gay, Black men of the south, before evolving it into a one-man show. The documentary—filmed over the course of a decade—follows E. Patrick as he interviews each of these men, culminating in his individual performances of them. The movie and the camera is so lovingly focused on these individuals, including interviewer E. Patrick himself, who is able to peel away whatever layers of protection his subjects may have in order to reveal startlingly vulnerable portraits. In doing so, the movie captures an intimate and urgent portrait of queer community, queer history, and honoring our queer elders in the most respectful way anyone can be honored: by listening to them.—NP
Shiva Baby dir. Emma Seligman
77 minutes feels like a blessing for this extremely acidic dark comedy about the shiva from hell. Rachel Sennott leads a talented cast in a claustrophobic farce that will make you laugh from discomfort and in recognition of the very special trauma a family gathering can inflict. You can read my interview with director Emma Seligman here! —KA
Breaking Fast dir. Mike Mosallam
Breaking Fast follows Mo (Haaz Sleiman), a practicing Muslim living in West Hollywood, who’s disciplined way of life is proving increasingly alienating to those around him. Attempting to pick up the pieces after heartbreak, Mo finds himself surprised and challenged by non-Muslim Kal (Michael Cassidy), who offers to break fast with him during Ramadan. It’s a pretty cute and cheesy movie, sometimes approaching Nora Ephron levels of rom-com greatness, yet never quite achieving those saintly heights. The movie’s main roadblock is the stilted performances by it’s two romantic leads, who have no chemistry whatsoever between them. Regardless, it’s lovely enough to work overall, and the cliche rom-com parts work wonderfully more often than they don’t. And I love cute, cheesy, and cliche rom-coms, so I had fun! Of special mention, Amin El Gamal as Sam (Mo’s “gay-er” best friend) is incredible. The movie comes alive when he’s onscreen, and hopefully, he’ll be leading his own rom-com soon enough.—NP
These films will hopefully be available to stream on demand soon. In the meantime, Boston’s most beloved theaters need your help to survive. If you have the means, the Hassle strongly recommends making a donation, purchasing a gift card, or becoming a member at the Brattle Theatre, Coolidge Corner Theatre, and/or the Somerville Theatre. Keep film alive, y’all.
