How does a random drunken hook-up develop into something more meaningful? The provocative new British drama Weekend, which opens in Atlanta on Nov. 25 after making an acclaimed U.S. debut at this year’s SXSW Festival, takes a hard look at that question through the blossoming relationship between two gay men, Russell (Tom Cullen) and Glen (Chris New).
One evening after hanging with his hetero friends, Russell makes an impromptu stop at a nightclub where, after a plethora of libations, he crosses paths with Glen. The two wind up in bed together.
Been there, done that. But their “morning after” moves in an unusual direction when Glen pulls out a voice recorder and asks Russell to recount his thoughts on their evening (what he can recall of it, anyway). As Glen explains, he’s an artist, and this exploration of the disconnect between who people are and who they project themselves to be is part of a project he’s working on.
It’s not your usual post-coital conversation, particularly for the more introverted Russell. But it launches a vibrant back-and-forth that allows their relationship to grow beyond your typical one-night stand.
To their surprise, Glen and Russell wind up spending the bulk of the weekend together, talking, drinking, socializing with friends, having sex, doing drugs and talking some more. The relationship shows potential, but a black cloud looms: Glen is scheduled to leave for an extended trip out of the country that Sunday. Will this promising connection be severed before it has a chance to grow?
Many indies strain to be different, but director Andrew High makes it look easy, using a couple of well-executed handheld shots, some perfectly timed cuts and just the right amount of stylistic flourish to give Weekend a unique feel without veering into pretension. Though the film features one drugs-and-sex scene too many, High mostly avoids sensationalism by focusing more on quiet moments and intimate conversations.
Many of these exchanges center on homosexual topics, such as gay marriage and how society reacts differently to hetero- versus homosexual displays of affection. But while Weekend wrangles with gay issues in ways both outward and subtle, its exploration of the challenges of living an honest, authentic life is universal. “When you’ve had the same friends for too long, everything becomes cemented,” says Glen. “They won’t let you be any version of yourself except an old version or the one version that they want you to be.” Interesting …
Weekend may be a dialogue-driven film with a naturalistic feel, but the long conversations play out with purpose rather than moving aimlessly, a credit to High’s sharp writing and Cullen and New’s outstanding performances. Thankfully, this is one moviegoing decision you won’t regret in the morning.
Grade: B+
"Weekend" opens in Atlanta on Nov. 25 at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema.
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