Relationships are…hard.
And navigating queer love and lust can often feel like exploring the Wild West pre-GPS. It’s thrilling, yes. But not without its dangers.
A new short film called Lavender from filmmaker Matthew Puccini explores one man’s intimate brushup with a married gay couple. The emotional honesty it depicts will likely hit home for anyone who’s ventured outside of monogamy’s walls.
The film premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival in January where it was named one of Indiewire’s 10 must-see short films. It’s now available to stream on Vimeo via Fox Searchlight.
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It stars Michael Urie of Ugly Betty fame, as well as Ken Barnett and Michael Hsu Rosen.
“I love the idea of seeing more LGBTQ characters and stories being told in the genre space,” Puccini said. “I’m personally craving a big-budget, super queer rom-com, and would love to see some horror films starring queer characters, too.”
Puccini is already working on a new short film called Dirty, as well as his debut feature-length project. We will certainly be looking out for both.
Watch Lavender below:
Dan Tracer is a queer writer, handstand enthusiast, and lover of all Kaytranada remixes. Find him on Instagram.
Ingenuity1
Unless everyone involved in an open relationship is truly honest, men of integrity, and most important, self sufficient, open relationship almost always fall apart in the end or end up being an empty shell full of lies and dishonesty.
gymnofrater
I’d say the same about any relationship.
gymnofrater
Lovely film. It says so much and nothing is wasted or superfluous.
enlightenone
What did it say? I must have missed it!
Jimmy T
What a beautiful little film.
lmdoane55
stunningly gorgeous and and heartbreakingly familiar ….
Jared MacBride
Very well done; cinematography is spot on. Congratulations to all involved.
yaletownman
My husband and I have done this several times. Once, when we were in our forties we met a beautiful guy in his early 20’s. He ultimately wanted a partner and had an off an on/off relationship with a guy his own age. His relationship with him was complicated and though he considered him the love of his life his sometime boyfriend was wrestling with what he really wanted in life.
When we met Josh he was young, very sexual and had said he had always had a strong attraction to older men. He knew he ultimately wanted a primary relationship with someone closer to his own age but he wanted a fling with us. We knew it wasn’t forever and could get complicated as you never know what feelings are going to arise. It ended up being fantastic. He loved our attention, affection and sex. My husband traveled abroad a lot on business so I had a friend and companion with benefits while he was gone. The three of us had a good time going out and we would hang out with his friends and they with us. It was good for our egos as well. Like I said he was beautiful.
It lasted about a year and he did get back with his boyfriend and they moved to Europe. We were genuinely sad to see it end but in the end we realized we’d been given a gift to enjoy for a while and it actually left us feeling like our relationship had matured because of it. Ten years later my husband and I are still together and have nothing but fond memories of that time together. Sometimes these things can be a nightmare and sometimes they get be a great experience. It depends on the people involved and if everyone is mature enough about what they want and expect.
Josh447
Inspiring. Thx for sharing!
Kangol2
Thank you for your moving, beautifully written account. It’s refreshing to read and a great complement to the article about the film starring Michael Urie.
Kangol2
Bravo to Lavender‘s director, writers, actors, and producers! And thank you, Queerty, for this little slice of art and life. More, please.
enlightenone
Went over my head! Next.