The Queer Gaze

The next entry in our 'Sex Work and Pornography' theme is Gregg Araki's masterful 2005 adaptation of Scott Heim's devastating novel Mysterious Skin. Starring a grown-up Joseph Gordon Levitt and a pre-Oscar winning director Brady Corbet, the film examines two very different responses to childhood sexual abuse (C/W).Plus: praising Michelle Trachtenberg, the strategic way Araki worked with the child actors, and why Neil's storyline is more intriguing than Brian's.Seen the film or want to hear more details? Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/TheQueerGaze for ~36 more minutes of spoiler-heavy discussion.Like the show? Rate, review and subscribe to help others find usFollow the show on Insta and BlueSky: @thequeergaze.Email us: thequeergazeshow@gmail.com

It's a Conrad pick as our theme on 'Sex Work and Pornography' continues with Robin Campillo’s genre hybrid, Eastern Boys (2013).The film tackles several uncomfortable subjects, including a significant age gap between client and sex worker, an incredibly tense home invasion-style "party" and a challenging protagonist in Daniel (Olivier Rabourdin).Plus: shifting genres, a dialogue-free opening, and the moment Joe had to jump ahead because he couldn't stand the tension.Seen the film or want to hear more details? Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/TheQueerGaze for ~27 more minutes of spoiler-heavy discussion.Like the show? Rate, review and subscribe to help others find usFollow the show on Insta and BlueSky: @thequeergaze.Email us: thequeergazeshow@gmail.com

Conrad and Joe check out writer/director Moshe Rosenthal's exquisite 80s throwback, which played Sundance 2026.Featuring incredible performances across the board, this 5 star film about a tumultuous father/son relationship feels extremely Pedro Almodovar-coded. It's one to watch when it becomes available!Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/TheQueerGaze for bonus content on our other titles.Like the show? Rate, review and subscribe to help others find usFollow the show on Insta and BlueSky: @thequeergaze.Email us: thequeergazeshow@gmail.com

We're kicking off a new theme, 'Sex work and Pornography', with Justin Kelly's 2016 true crime adaptation, King Cobra (2016) which tells the story of underage porn star Brent Corrigan and the murder of Bryan Kocis (here named Stephen).Starring Christian Slater (superb) and James Franco (ick) as predatory older gay men, the film is stylish, but hollow.Bonus points for Molly Ringwald and Alicia Silverstone, though!Seen the film or want to hear more details? Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/TheQueerGaze for 24 more minutes of spoiler-heavy discussion.Like the show? Rate, review and subscribe to help others find usFollow the show on Insta and BlueSky: @thequeergaze.Email us: thequeergazeshow@gmail.com

Conrad and Joe are joined by Horror Queers' Trace Thurman to discuss Charlie Polinger's debut feature, The Plague (2025).Expect plenty of discussion about pre-teen bullying, queer-coding, and body horror as we're collectively triggered by this story about hazing rituals gone awry at an all-boy water polo camp.Plus: praising Kayo Martin as central antagonist Jake, Joel Edgerton's useless Coach, and debate about how rarely (or not!) this kind of story is told.Seen the film or want to hear more details? Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/TheQueerGaze for a ~33 minute bonus spoiler-heavy discussion.Like the show? Rate, review and subscribe to help others find usFollow the show on Insta and BlueSky: @thequeergaze.Email us: thequeergazeshow@gmail.com

Our second last 'Cruising' title arrives in the form of Nate Dushku's feature directorial debut, Birder (2023).Prepare for innuendos abound courtesy of Amnon Lourie's screenplay, which is brought to life by charming chameleon Michael Emery in the lead role.Plus: queer diversity, and why Conrad and Joe feel differently about David Sachs' father figure MilesSeen the film or want to hear more details? Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/TheQueerGaze another ~25 minutes of spoiler-heavy discussion.Like the show? Rate, review and subscribe to help others find usFollow the show on Insta and BlueSky: @thequeergaze.Email us: thequeergazeshow@gmail.com

Our 'Cruising' theme continues with Andrew Ahn's feature directorial debut, Spa Night (2016) which follows David, a second generation Korean-American living in Los Angeles, as he struggles to make a human connection.This is a beautiful film, although David's near passivity could prove frustrating to some. Good thing Joe Seo is a captivating performer!Seen the film or want to hear more details? Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/TheQueerGaze another 23:03 minutes of spoiler-heavy discussion.Like the show? Rate, review and subscribe to help others find usFollow the show on Insta and BlueSky: @thequeergaze.Email us: thequeergazeshow@gmail.com

We're venturing to rural India to discuss Rohan Kanawade's feature directorial debut, Cactus Pears / Sabar Bonda (2025).This heartfelt romantic drama follows Anand (Bhushaan Manoj), an out gay man in Mumbai, as he returns home for the 10 day mourning ceremony following his father's death, reconnects with his hunky neighbour Balya (Suraaj Suman), and dodges invasive questions about his personal life from relatives.Seen the film or want to hear more details? Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/TheQueerGaze.Like the show? Rate, review and subscribe to help others find usFollow the show on Insta and BlueSky: @thequeergazeEmail us: thequeergazeshow@gmail.com