Weekend is described, aptly, as a British romantic, drama written and directed by Andrew Haigh. Looking at an intense 48 hours between two men who meet in a club, it shows what happens when a one night stand just doesn't end.
Russell and Glen, brilliantly acted by Tom Cullen and Chris New, really show the intensity of connection that these two men have and the tension and passion between them is palpable. I think most of us at some point have experienced something similar and that just makes it easier to love this film. While we met in completely different circumstances, our first weekend together was as intense as this.
The portayal of both gay men is true to life, both in terms of how they meet (in fact at one point Glen admits that Russell wasn't even his first choice that night) and even in the lives that they lead. Russell is a lifeguard at a leisure centre and Glen is a wannabe artist. The majority of Russell's friends appear to be straight and he is haunted by not having come out to his father, having grown up in care. Glen on the other hand, has been totally put off relationships but a previously cheating partner.
One of the best things about this film is just how far from the over produced, shiny Hollywood LGBT films this is. It's set in a council estate in Nottingham of all places, and while the two main actors are good looking guys, they're not plastic and fake looking. It all helped to make the whole thing feel that more realistic.
Ultimately the ending may not suit everyone. It's not at all Hollywood and doesn't wrap everything up neatly. But it does leave us with a feeling of hope and definitely wondering what would have happened later.
If you want something that's going to make you smile then give it a go!
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