This Weekend’s VOD Favorites

The Gay Cinema Video On Demand experience at TLAgay.com has your entertainment needs covered! We’re always working to expand selection of new and old gay-themed movies available for your viewing pleasure. Here’s just five of our current favorites that you may have missed – ALL available to watch INSTANTLY!

 

Once a Year on Blackpool Sands
Once A Year on Blackpool Sands is a triumphant, comedy-drama based on real events, regarding an extraordinary night in Blackpool 1953, several days after the Queen’s Coronation. Tommy and Eddy (Macaulay Cooper and Kyle Brooks) are coal miners and secret gay lovers who spend their holiday at a quirky bed and breakfast in Blackpool, along with a few other “alternative” members of society. Together, they summon up the courage to do the first fabled walk towards Gay Pride. Written and directed by Karlton Parris, this true story offers a rare glimpse into an underrepresented era in LGBTQ history. Touching and poignant, Once a Year on Blackpool Sands offers up a portrayal of the lives of working-class gay men and the women who supported them, in a time when homosexuality was a crime.

 

Benjamin
British comedian Simon Amstell wrote and directed this charmingly offbeat gay romantic comedy about a filmmaker juggling the excitement of his upcoming film premiere with the fear and awkwardness of a burgeoning romance. Always ready with a self-defensive quip, indie film director Benjamin (Colin Morgan) nervously prepares for the premiere of his sophomore feature when he meets and falls for hard for Noah (Phenix Brossard), a young French musician. Will Benjamin’s insecurities and anxieties get in the way of success and happiness? Will his film be a critics-savaging disaster and he, a one-hit wonder? Benjamin is a charming, laugh-out-loud look at one man’s land mined road to success and love.

 

Cas
Get ready for a sexy and entertaining collection of three short films that examine the different effects the addition of a third party has on a modern gay relationship. In Cas, Pepijn and George’s steady, seven-year relationship is shaken after they allow a hot young student named Cas to sleep on their couch while he finds a place of his own. Gradually, both men fall head over heels for the attractive younger man’s laconic charm, forcing them to reconsider their many long-term plans. Is Cas’s presence endangering their relationship or is he a blessing in disguise? In Tri-Curious, last minute anxiety threatens to ruin a young gay couple’s first threesome together. The final short in the collection, Bed Buddies, is a comedy about three gay friends who wake up after sleeping together and try to make sense of the unclear line between friendship and love.

 

Bittersweet Waters
Writer-director Jesús Canchola Sánchez makes his assured feature debut with this emotionally complex tale of Atl (played by Sanchez himself), a quiet man living in rural Mexico, taking care of his devoted grandmother, Citalli, and verbally abusive mother, Soledad. Atl’s grandmother is unaware of his undercover affair with his longtime best friend, the handsome movie star Diego. But the two-faced, alcoholic Soledad knows and wastes no time in blackmailing her son in order to keep him compliant. Diego’s pregnant fiancée soon discovers the affair too, but in spite of her threats, Diego keeps seeing Atl on the side. In order to live truthfully, Atl must overcome his mother, Diego’s fiancée and the traditional community that surrounds him.

 

Hidden Kisses
16-year-old Nathan (Bérenger Anceaux), lives alone with his father Stephane (Patrick Timsit). A newcomer to his high school, he is invited to a party and soon becomes smitten with Louis (Jules Houplain), a boy from his class. They find themselves seemingly out of sight and kiss each other sweetly… not realizing that someone has taken a picture of them. Soon, the photo is published on Facebook and a storm overtakes their lives – putting them face to face with severe bullying and rejection. A highly-publicized film that originally aired on French television in 2016, this deeply affecting film is now available on DVD and VOD in the United States. The lead actors are both adorable and have great chemistry together. Hidden Kisses is a heartfelt, thoughtful, beautifully directed film that will linger with you long after the final credits.

 

This Weekend’s VOD Favorites

The Gay Cinema Video On Demand experience at TLAgay.com has your entertainment needs covered! We’re always working to expand selection of new and old gay-themed movies available for your viewing pleasure. Here’s just five of our current favorites that you may have missed – ALL available to watch INSTANTLY! Stay home, stay safe and enjoy a movie!

 

The Strong Ones
Based on an original short film, which won the coveted Teddy Award at the Berlin International Film Festival, The Strong Ones follows the romantic saga of two beautiful Chilean men on different life paths. Lucas (Samuel Gonzalez), an architect, travels to visit his sister, who lives in a remote town in Southern Chile. Beside the ocean, shrouded in the wintery mist, he meets Antonio (Antonio Altamirano), a boatswain on a local fishing boat. When an intense romance blossoms between them, their strength, independence, and adulthood become immovable, just like the ebb and flow of the tide. Confidently directed by Omar Zúñiga Hidalgo, The Strong Ones took home both the Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize at Outfest this past year.

 

Cas
From filmmakers Joris van den Berg, Matt Guerin and Reid Waterer comes a sexy and thoroughly entertaining collection of three short films that examine the different effects the addition of a third party has on a modern gay relationship. In Cas, Pepijn and George’s steady, seven-year relationship is shaken after they allow a hot young student named Cas to sleep on their couch while he finds a place of his own. Gradually, both men fall head over heels for the attractive younger man’s laconic charm, forcing them to reconsider their many long-term plans. Is Cas’s presence endangering their relationship or is he a blessing in disguise? In Tri-Curious, last minute anxiety threatens to ruin a young gay couple’s first threesome together. The final short in the collection, Bed Buddies, is a comedy about three gay friends who wake up after sleeping together and try to make sense of the unclear line between friendship and love.

 

Redwoods
Both original and incredibly romantic, the 2009 film Redwoods tells the story of an already-partnered man whose love is tested when a mysterious drifter passes through his small Northern California town. Everett (Brendan Bradley) and Miles (Tad Coughenour) are in a comfortably platonic relationship, which is held together by raising their son. While his family travels out of town, introverted Everett finally has time to himself – that is until Chase (Matthew Montgomery), a striking writer, pulls up in front of his house. Shot amidst the ancient and gorgeous redwoods of California, writer-director David Lewis‘s film is a stunning ode to the power of love and something of an homage to The Bridges of Madison County with a decidedly gay twist.

 

Lovebirds
Mario (Joseph Ison) has found true love. For the past few months he has been corresponding with Alexis (Andres Alexis), a handsome young man from Spain, over the internet. Even with only an online connection to speak of, Mario is just wild for the guy. Alexis has already decided he feels the same. The pair decide to finally meet in Mario’s hometown in the Philippines. But there is one small problem: Mario has never told his family that he is gay. Things are turned upside when Alexis arrives and Mario’s mom figures out that he is not a girl. Alexis’ arrival, and the subsequent feast meant to welcome him, causes a series of misunderstandings, outright lies and hurt feelings. People just need some time to come around in this tender, humorous and heartfelt story. Ultimately, Lovebirds tells a wonderful and touching story about family, growing up and finding love.

 

Retake
Jonathan (Tuc Watkins), a handsome businessman, hires a young hustler (Devon Graye) to accompany him a road trip to the Grand Canyon… with a catch. He must role-play as someone named “Brandon.” On the road, “Brandon” comes to realize he’s playing a vital role in the recreation of Jonathan’s lovelorn past. As the hustler digs for clues, Jonathan insists that he stick to the role he was hired for. Eager to leave his own past behind and feeling a strange connection with his unique client, he sheds his own identity and plays the part. An amorous game of obsession and manipulation commences, as these two broken souls get closer to their destination. A scorching romantic mystery, Retake has been earning rave reviews. The San Francisco Bay Times called it “Palpable and heartbreaking.” The Hollywood Reporter said that it’s “carving out some distinctive new territory in the well-trod world of queer cinema.”

25 Gay Movies to Stream Over the Holidays!

There’s nothing wrong with taking some much-needed time during your long holiday vacation to relax on the couch. If you’re looking for some light (or heavy) gay-themed entertainment, TLAgay has you covered. Here are twenty gay movies to stream over the Holidays!

Bathroom Stalls & Parking Lots
Brazilian transplant Leo (writer-director Thales Corrêa) embarks on a trip to San Fransisco when he finds out his regular American fling Totah is also visiting the city. Upon arrival Leo joins his friend Donnie (Izzy Palazzini) on a quest through the clubs of the Castro district, hoping to a casual encounter to show Totah they could be compatible beyond the bedroom. Meanwhile Donnie’s straight friend Hunter (Oscar Mansky), a hopeless romantic, tags along in an attempt to teach Leo how to turn a casual sex relationship into a more meaningful one. While bar hopping, following clues, and adventures into seedier venues, they face unforeseen obstacles that challenge the way they approach relationships in the modern day, and may even end up putting their own friendship at risk.

Beautiful Something
Edgy, absorbing and raw, Beautiful Something follows four diverse men as they navigate life during one sublime night. This narrative takes a fresh and unsentimental look at the links between young and old, black and white, sex and love, desire and art. As all four comb the Philadelphia streets looking for connection, they often settle for something quick and dirty. However, tonight is much different. Inspired by real-life experiences, Beautiful Something explores the deeper meaning of how giving one’s self to love, and its necessary vulnerabilities, helps us turn the corner from seeing the world as a child to seeing the world as an adult.

The Blonde One
In the suburbs of Buenos Aires, Gabriel (Gaston Re) has just moved in with his colleague, Juan (Alfonso Baron). Shy and reserved, Gabriel is reluctant to follow Juan’s wandering hands and meaningful looks. With a revolving door of beauties streaming out of Juan’s bedroom, his machismo seems firmly in place. However, the attraction between the two men is undeniable. What starts out as a sexual relationship based on convenience of location soon develops into the engrossing evolution of a tender and intimate relationship, which is as sweet as it is heartbreaking. But, as reality begins to set in on their homemaking fantasy, something needs to give… or does it? Written and directed by Marco Berger (the same filmmaker behind Plan B, Hawaii, Sexual Tension: Volatile, Absent, Taekwondo and more), The Blonde One is one of the year’s hottest gay movies.

Boys
Following one man through two timelines, Boys, the newest feature from director Christophe Charrier, is a gripping and compassionate study of first love and the lingering sting of loss. We first meet Jonas (BPM: Beats Per Minute star Felix Maritaud) in the present, where he’s having a rough go of it. He’s prone to starting fights at the local gay bar, and his boyfriend has had enough of his infidelity and alcohol-soaked antics. His volatile behavior may stem from a traumatic incident in his past. The film flashes back to 1997, where Jonas (played as a high school kid by Nicolas Bauwens) meets Nathan (Tommy Lee Baik), the rebellious new student who will become his crush. The boys venture into the night on their first date unaware that it’s about to change their lives forever. Don’t miss this searing mystery.

Cas
From filmmakers Joris van den Berg, Matt Guerin and Reid Waterer comes a sexy and thoroughly entertaining collection of three short films that examine the different effects the addition of a third party has on a modern gay relationship. In Cas, Pepijn and George’s steady, seven-year relationship is shaken after they allow a hot young student named Cas to sleep on their couch while he finds a place of his own. Gradually, both men fall head over heels for the attractive younger man’s laconic charm, forcing them to reconsider their many long-term plans. Is Cas’s presence endangering their relationship or is he a blessing in disguise? In Tri-Curious, last minute anxiety threatens to ruin a young gay couple’s first threesome together. The final short in the collection, Bed Buddies, is a comedy about three gay friends who wake up after sleeping together and try to make sense of the unclear line between friendship and love.

Read More

This Weekend’s VOD Favorites

The Gay Cinema Video On Demand experience at TLAgay.com has your entertainment needs covered! We’re always working to expand selection of new and old gay-themed movies available for your viewing pleasure. Here’s just five of our current favorites, from various years, that you may have missed – ALL available to watch INSTANTLY! These aren’t our TOP 5, by any means – just a handful of flicks we want to highlight.

Cas
From filmmakers Joris van den Berg, Matt Guerin and Reid Waterer comes a sexy and thoroughly entertaining collection of three short films that examine the different effects the addition of a third party has on a modern gay relationship. In Cas, Pepijn and George’s steady, seven-year relationship is shaken after they allow a hot young student named Cas to sleep on their couch while he finds a place of his own. Gradually, both men fall head over heels for the attractive younger man’s laconic charm, forcing them to reconsider their many long-term plans. Is Cas’s presence endangering their relationship or is he a blessing in disguise? In Tri-Curious, last minute anxiety threatens to ruin a young gay couple’s first threesome together. The final short in the collection, Bed Buddies, is a comedy about three gay friends who wake up after sleeping together and try to make sense of the unclear line between friendship and love.

Crazy All These Years
A poignant yet humorous look at life, death and the damage caused by running away, this new drama focuses on Ben (Christopher Howell), a gay man who returns home to his small Tennessee town to care for his ailing, cantankerous mother (Cinda McCain). As mother and son struggle to find common ground, Ben is forced to examine his previous romantic relationships – and the many broken hearts left in his wake. The most broken of those hearts belongs to Joe (James Fuertes), an ex-lover who is equally troubled and excited to reunite with Ben. Written and directed by Jeff Swafford, the creator behind the gay show Three: The Series, Crazy All These Years began life as a stage play, but the emotional impact lends itself well to the cinematic world. Don’t miss this thoughtful family drama.

The Dream Children
The challenges of a young gay male couple who decide to have a baby are explored in The Dream Children, an Australian melodrama set in the early 2000s. Hunky architect Alex (Nicholas Gunn) wants a child while his partner, TV game show host, Steven (Graeme Squires) – who is closeted at work and not all too keen on exposing himself to public scrutiny. Adding to the problem is the government’s policy against same sex adoptions and their own, far from settled, home life. The decide to illegally hire a surrogate mother to carry the baby, but the woman, a bit homophobic, plots her own scheme to get more money from the two. Director and producer Robert Chuter has earned a reputation as a distinctive and unique filmmaker who is constantly tests his audiences with complex and visually stunning productions.

Everlasting Love
Each day after work, Carlos (Joan Bentalle), a language school teacher, frequents the heady surroundings of his local cruising ground. One evening he encounters a teenage boy from his class named Toni (Aimar Vega), and the two engage in a brief sexual tryst. As the relationship between teacher and student begins to develop, some dark truths emerge about the young man and his mysterious group of friends. Much like Alain Guiraudie’s recent gay classic Stranger by the Lake, writer-director Maral Fores‘ follow-up to his acclaimed debut Animals continues to explore the perils of illicit sexual encounters, but with an edge of youthful impudence. Characterized by meticulous long shots, Fores’ disturbing mystery has a languid visual approach often at odds with the thrills on screen, which are guaranteed to shock and excite in equal measure.

Esteros
Sexy and heartfelt, Esteros tells the story of two men who get a second chance at love. Childhood friends Matias and Jeronimo reunite in their hometown of Paso de los Libres, Argentina, on the banks of the Uruguay River. The summer before high school, their friendship transformed into something deeper, but their mutual attraction never came to fruition. More than a decade later they meet again, and the chemistry between them is palpable, but now Matias has a girlfriend who has traveled to his hometown for Carnival. Seeing his old friend, now so comfortable and confident, reawakens Matias’ feelings. This unexpected opportunity forces him to reassess his choices and to figure out whether he can turn his back on marriage in favor of the man he’s always loved. A powerful film that elicits feelings of nostalgia for the forgotten romances from our past, Esteros offers a satisfying glimpse into what might have been (and what might still be).

Cas © TLA Releasing

Out This Week: Cas

TLA Releasing presents a collection of three films that examine the different effects the addition of a third party has on a modern gay relationship. Essentially, it’s a threesome about threesomes – and we’re excited for it. At 50 minutes in length, Cas, the headliner of this collection which doubles as the title for the collection in general, is somewhere between a short and a feature. Filmed in the Netherlands, it won the “Best International Feature” Award at FilmOut San Diego in 2017.

 

In Cas, the seemingly rock-solid relationship shared by 29-year-old Pepijn (Wieger Windhorst) and 33-year-old Sjors (Kevin Hassing) is put in jeopardy when they invite a lively 20-year-old student named Cas (Felix Meyer) to sleep on their couch until he finds a place of his own. Gradually, as Pepijn and Sjors both fall head over heels in love with Cas’ laconic charms, they are forced to reconsider all of their shared future plans. Is Cas a real threat to their relationship… or might he be a blessing in disguise?

Read More
Cas © TLA Releasing

Cas Invites You to Join a Threesome

Dekkoo Shorts presents a collection of three films that examine the different effects the addition of a third party has on a modern gay relationship. Essentially, it’s a threesome about threesomes – and we’re excited for it. At 50 minutes in length, Cas, the headliner of this collection which doubles as the title for the collection in general, is somewhere between a short and a feature. Filmed in the Netherlands, it won the “Best International Feature” Award at FilmOut San Diego in 2017.

 

In Cas, the seemingly rock-solid relationship shared by 29-year-old Pepijn (Wieger Windhorst) and 33-year-old Sjors (Kevin Hassing) is put in jeopardy when they invite a lively 20-year-old student named Cas (Felix Meyer) to sleep on their couch until he finds a place of his own. Gradually, as Pepijn and Sjors both fall head over heels in love with Cas’ laconic charms, they are forced to reconsider all of their shared future plans. Is Cas a real threat to their relationship… or might he be a blessing in disguise?

Read More