The subject matter of Weekend may not sit too well with some people but lets be honest if you are a judgmental person then this really isn’t the film for you. See, Weekend is a well-produced drama that looks at all the ins and outs of a gay pick-up/romance that raises some interesting (and thought-provoking topics) along the way.
Russell (Tom Cullen – TV’S Pen Talar & Banged Up Abroad) considers himself to be an out gay English male. All of his close friends know that he is gay and are comfortable with that. Although even Russell’s eyes are opened after he goes out to a gay club one night and picks up Glen (Chris New – TV’S Doctors & Silent Witness). As the weekend goes on Russell and Glen engage in sex, drugs and alcohol but also begin to learn a lot about each other. But just as it looks like a romance is blossoming a bombshell hits, Glen is leaving England to go and live in the U.S. at the end of the weekend.
Screenwriter/director, Andrew Haigh (Greek Pete, Five Miles Out) really does show talent with Weekend. What will make this film seem even more confronting for some is the fact that it feels so realistic, so good as the characterization and so natural is the dialogue that at times you could be excused for feeling that you are watching a docco. This naturalism unfortunately also brings flaws to the film. While you find yourself embracing Russell as a character it is hard to connect with the enigmatic Glen, although your feelings for Russell are at least enough for you want to see them together.
Haigh also creates some moments of true excellence in Weekend. The scene in which Russell and Glen are jeered by off-screen extras for showing public affection really highlights how hard it is for a homosexual couple in a natural and inventive way. But then Haigh also undoes his good work by some moments of the film becoming really preachy, so would even say a little anti-heterosexual, not a great thing when your film is trying to highlight how everyone should be treated equally.
The fact that the film has a naturalistic style also means that the two leading men, Tom Cullen and Chris New, have to step-up to the plate with the performance of their lives. Luckily, they are both up to the task at hand, and all I can say is that I hope this film shows producers that are capable of so much more than the TV roles that they have been doing.
Weekend may have its flaws but at the same time it is an important film that modern society needs. Flawlessly acted this is one film that is certainly worth a look.
Year: 2011
Director: Andrew Haigh
Stars: Tom Cullen, Chris New
Classification: MA15+
Runtime: 97 mins
Rating: 