gay films Archives - Clare Solomon

“Red, White & Royal Blue” – the Perfect Rom-Com

I’ve just watched “Red, White & Royal Blue“, a new enemies-to-lovers gay rom-com on Amazon Prime and I loved it. It’s based on the best-selling novel (UK link) by Casey McQuiston. It stars Taylor Zakhar Perez, Nicholas Galitzine and Uma Thurman.

Alex, the son of the American president, encounters Henry, the youngest prince of the UK royal family at a royal wedding. They have briefly met in the past and hate each other. The men manage to cause a scandal at the wedding by getting into an argument that causes them to knock over the wedding cake. They are ordered to spend time together to fix their mistake. As they get to know each other better they begin to fall for each other. Their public lives and duties cause various problems for the romance that only become worse as they get closer.

“Red, White & Royal Blue” is a thoroughly entertaining film with an excellent cast. It has witty dialogue, a sexy celebrity romance and interesting lead characters who it’s impossible not to care about. It’s filled with funny moments from the wedding cake toppling over on top of the two leads to various people walking in on them in the middle of a romantic tryst. The film also has its more serious moments, where you find out more about what matters to the characters and where everything nearly falls apart. Ultimately, though, it is a fresh, fun rom-com that will make you feel good.

I’ve just bought the “Red, White & Royal Blue” novel, which has won various best book and best romance awards. I can’t wait to start reading it.

(Find out more about my gay novels here including my own celebrity romance, “A Perfect Role” (UK link). Alternatively, read some free excerpts from my books or a free story here.)

Popular Gay Films of 2018

Here is a list of some of the wonderful films released in 2018, some amusing, some thought-provoking, and all entertaining.

“Love, Simon”

This film is based on the wonderful novel, “Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli. It’s a moving, entertaining coming of age film about gay teenager, Simon (Nick Robinson), as he tries to uncover the identity of the classmate he’s fallen for online. It also stars Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel.

“The Happy Prince”

This film – written, directed by and starring Rupert Everett in the central role – is about Oscar Wilde as, facing the end of his life, he looks back on his relationship with Lord Alfred ‘Bosie’ Douglas (Colin Morgan) and the indecency trial that ruined him. It also stars Emily Watson and Colin Firth.

“Alex Strangelove”

This Netflix original film is about teenager Alex (Daniel Doheny), who thinks he loves girlfriend Claire (Madeline Weinstein) until he meets Elliot (Antonio Marziale). The path to love is definitely not smooth as Alex struggles to understand who and what he wants in this poignant film.

“Boy Erased”

This is based on the book of the same name by Garrard Conley, which tells of his real-life experiences. In the film gay teenager, Jared (Lucas Hedges), is forced to endure conversion therapy. Stars Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe. (Released in November 2018 in the US, UK viewers can watch it in February 2019.)

“Bohemian Rhapsody”

While this film about the life of pop legend, Freddy Mercury, and the band, Queen, has had some negative reviews for taking a superficial approach to its subject, it still provides an interesting glimpse into the world of this iconic figure. It stars Rami Malek and Mike Myers.

“We the Animals”

Based on an autobiographical novel by Justin Torres, this complex, stylistic film is about 3 Hispanic boys growing up in a difficult home environment in New York and how Jonah (Evan Rosado) grows into his sexual identity. Also stars Sheila Vand and Raul Castillo.

Top Ten Sexiest Gay Film Kisses

Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Ennis (Heath Ledger) in “Brokeback Mountain”, the classic film based on a short story by Annie Proulx. The relationship is heartbreaking but the kiss the lovers share when they are reunited after their time at Brokeback Mountain is incredibly sexy and passionate.
Trevor Wright and Brad Lowe in “Shelter”. This is a wonderfully romantic gay film and the stars have amazing chemistry.
Maurice (James Wilby) and Alec (Rupert Graves)’s first kiss in “Maurice”, the film based on the classic gay novel by E. M. Forster.
The first kiss between Allan Ginsberg (Daniel Radcliffe) and Lucien Carr (Dane DeHaan) in “Kill Your Darlings” (2013). This is a biographical film about 1940s American Beat movement writers featuring “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe.
There are various kisses to choose from in “Torch Song Trilogy” but the forbidden kiss shared between Alan (Matthew Broderick) and Ed (Brian Kerwin) is incredibly sexy.
Dennis (Timothy Olyphant) and Kevin (Andrew Keegan) in “The Broken Hearts Club”. As the title suggests, none of the romantic relationships go smoothly in this film but the one between Dennis and Kevin, who is just coming out of the closet, is particularly poignant.
X (Derek Magyar) and Andrew (Darryl Stephens) in “Boy Culture”. X is a prostitute who struggles to accept love and Andrew is one of his roommates in this sexy, intriguing film.
Howard Brackett (Kevin Kline) and Peter Malloy (Tom Selleck) in “In and Out”. It’s always great to see a gay kiss in a mainstream movie and this is a fun comedy.
The wonderful kiss on the beach between Father Greg Pilkington (Linus Roache) and Graham (Robert Carlyle) in “Priest” (1994). This is a controversial film, the gay feelings the priest has being only one element, but the relationship between the men has a raw, desperate quality.
Aaron (Steve Sandvoss) and Christian (Wes Ramsey) in “Latter Days” (2003). Aaron is a Mormon missionary who falls for his out-and-proud neighbour and goes through a lot of heartache to decide what he wants. I love the way you see the characters grow into better people during the film.