Weekend

This gay brief-encounter picture is one of the most naturalistic romances to come along in quite a while. There is little narrative structure here, just simple, honest behavior. Still, all the hand-held camera work and choppy editing kept me from fully engaging with the film. The story is tender and truthful, but I personally had a difficult time connecting with one of the main characters, and since he was the object of the other's affection, I was distanced from both of them. As much as the frank and honest bedroom scenes make the film distinctive, it is strongest at the beginning and end, where its brief encounter qualities are the most resonant. The poignant farewell scene is certainly worthy of my favorite genre.