Everything you need to know About Daniel Craig’s Queer Movie

Published on November 21, 2024
Written by:
Isha Das
Isha Das
Streaming Staff Writer
Edited by:
Ishita Chatterjee
Ishita Chatterjee
Streaming Staff Editor
Queer (Credits- A24)

Fresh off the buzz of Challengers, Luca Guadagnino is set to captivate audiences again with his daring adaptation of Queer. Starring Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey, this A24 drama plunges into a tale of obsession and desire set against the backdrop of 1950s Mexico City. 

Following its acclaimed world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it vied for the prestigious Golden Lion, Queer has already ignited critical discussions and anticipation for its broader release.

Curious about the stellar cast, trailers, and insider insights? Keep reading as we unpack everything about Queer. We'll keep this article updated with the latest buzz, so stay tuned!

Release date & Where to Watch

Queer will have a limited theatrical release on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, and is expected to stream on Max in the future

The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival on Sept. 3, 2024, and made its US debut at the New York Film Festival on Oct. 6, 2024. It has an R rating for strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use, language, and brief violence.

What is Queer Movie About?

Queer is based on William S. Burroughs's semi-autobiographical 1985 novel, following William Lee, a World War II veteran navigating life in late-1940s Mexico City. Struggling with isolation, he survives on part-time work and GI Bill benefits while frequenting a scene of American expatriates and college students. 

The plot centers on William’s pursuit of Eugene Allerton, a younger man inspired by Burroughs's real-life love interest, Adelbert Lewis Marker. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film explores themes of desire, identity, and human connection against a vivid cultural backdrop.

Who’s Starring in Queer film?

Is There a Trailer for Queer?

The official trailer for Queer debuted on Oct. 29, featuring a poignant cover of Nirvana’s “All Apologies.” The clip teases the simmering tension between William and Eugene as their complicated dynamic unfolds. Craig narrates with a reflective line about conquering hate through love, setting an introspective tone. 

The trailer culminates in a charged moment between the characters, highlighting their growing intimacy and the emotional stakes of their relationship.

The first clip from Queer, released on September 3, features Daniel Craig as William at a bar, likely in Mexico City. He notices a younger man sitting at a corner table and believes he's being flirted with. However, when William reciprocates, the man dismisses him, revealing he is waiting for a woman. Frustrated, William exits the bar.

On Nov. 25, 2024, a second official trailer was released that gave a better glimpse into the mindset of Craig's William Lee as he tries to pursue Starkey's Eugene Allerton. Check it out below:

Is Queer an Adaptation of the William S. Burroughs Novel?

Yes, Queer is based on William S. Burroughs's 1985 novel, which was written in the early 1950s but remained unpublished for decades since it was short. It is also speculated that it was put on ice due to its controversial content. The film marks the first official adaptation of the book, which loosely draws from Burroughs's own life and serves as a sequel to his debut novel, Junky. 

An earlier adaptation effort led by Steve Buscemi in the 2010s, with a screenplay by Oren Moverman, ultimately failed to move forward despite a live reading at the 2010 Sarasota Film Festival.

Queer Reviews

Queer premiered at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, earning an 82% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of September 3. Critics have praised the film, with Zhuo-Ning Su of Awards Daily calling it a "triumph" and Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian describing Daniel Craig's performance as "strangely magnificent."

When & Where did Queer film?

The filming of Queer began on April 29, 2023, in Rome, Italy, primarily at Cinecittà Studios. Additional scenes were shot in Quito, Ecuador, which doubled as Mexico City. Production wrapped on June 29, 2023. Jonathan Anderson, the creative director of Loewe, designed the costumes, marking his second collaboration with Luca Guadagnino after Challengers.

Behind the Scenes

The movie Queer showcases Luca Guadagnino's auteur vision, brought to life by a team of his trusted collaborators. This includes screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes, cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, and composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, all of whom previously worked with Guadagnino on Challengers. 

The film is executive produced by James Grauerholz, Kuritzkes, Peter Spears, Christian Vesper, Elena Recchia, and Emanuela Matranga, highlighting a diverse and talented production team.



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