Jan 10
What Were the Hottest Queer Movie Scenes of 2023?
Frank J. Avella READ TIME: 12 MIN.
Elias Anton & Thom Green in 'Of an Age'
The money shot moment in Goran Stolevski's haunting "Of an Age," contains no nudity but is exactly what the slow-burn film has been leading to for the first hour and change. Based somewhat on the filmmaker's experiences, the movie is set in the Summer of 1999 in working class North Melbourne, Australia where high schooler Kol (cutie Elias Anton) encounters Adam (yummy Thom Green) the older, openly gay brother of his bestie. There are a lot of back/forth glances and flirtations and disagreements and bonding, but when they finally do hook up, in the backseat of a car, it's the release we all needed –and they did as well (one of them, arguably, more than the other!)
"Of an Age" is currently streaming on Prime and available on Blu-ray.
Jordan Firstman, Blew Velvet, Joaquin Guillemi, Alberto Bustamante in 'Rotting in the Sun'
Sure, there was a plethora of genitalia and bums onscreen in Sebastián Silva's wildly entertaining and original work, "Rotting in the Sun." Silva plays himself, but a much more fucked up (we hope) version, while social media influencer Jordan Firstman embodies a satiric version of himself (as written by Silva). But the most eye-popping scene lasts only about 30-seconds and contains dildo action, hard-cock sucking and a double penetration! We didn't notice the first 2 times. It was Firstman, in a zoom chat, who mentioned it Now, re-watching, it's pretty obvious. And quite hot.
"Rotting in the Sun" is currently streaming on Prime.
Matt Dallas & Rock Cosnett in 'Shoulder Dance'
Culmination scenes seem to be in vogue–and quite effective–because another gem, Jay Arnold's "Shoulder Dance," involves two friends who have not seen one another since they were 16, when one of them was heavily crushing on the other. Now, many years later, Roger (Rick Cosnett) is paying Ira (Matt Dallas) a visit. He's brought along his girlfriend. Ira has been partnered for 10 years with a younger guy (although Dallas does not look his age at all). Ira still carries a torch for Roger, who flirts shamelessly with him. And when the sig others are finally away, the boys go at it in a scene filled with pent-up desire, complex emotions and – hallelujah– some nudity (quite integral to the moment). Both Cosnett and Dallas are openly gay and sexy as fuck.
"Shoulder Dance" is available to rent on Prime and AppleTV.
Lukas Gage & Zachary Quinto in 'Down Low'
Another film that enjoys teasing us is Rightor Doyle's subversive satire, "Down Low." In this thriller-meets-rom-com, shy, newly out Gary (Zachary Quinto) hires cocky young Cameron (Lukas Gage) for a massage. During the narrative insanity that ensues, we can sense the connection between these guys, so when Cam finally makes his move, Gary is more than game. And, again, in a scene with no nudity (although it wouldn't have hurt), Doyle's boys deliver on the passion we were waiting for. Gage and Quinto are both Out actors playing gay characters.
"Down Low" is available to rent on Prime and AppleTV.
José Condessa & Jason Fernández in 'Strange Way of Life'
Pedro Almodóvar's hypnotic western "Strange Way of Life," recently shortlisted for the Best Live Action Film Oscar, focuses on the rekindling of a past relationship between Silva (Pedro Pascal) and Sheriff Jake (Ethan Hawke). And while the glimpse of Pascal's firm buttocks might be the gay draw, the real mouth-watering moment comes when, in a flashback, the younger versions of Silva and Jake (José Condessa and Jason Fernández, both gorgeous) begin to pour wine all over one another, lick each other, and eventually lock lips (something Hawke and Pascal do not do). It's enough to make anyone a wine connoisseur.
"Strange Way of Life" is currently playing in theaters.
Josh Sharp & Aaron Jackson in 'Dicks! The Musical'
Adapted from their way off-Broadway musical, "Fucking Identical Twins," out and proud writers Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson also star together as the ID twins who finally find each other in this zany Larry Charles-directed crazy-crackers comedy. Late in the film, after tons of mayhem, Craig Tittle (Sharp) and Trevor Brock (Jackson) lay in bed against blue sheets, heads on blue pillows, wearing blue T-shirts (all different shades of blue, mind you) realizing they've found their soul mates. They kiss. They spit in each other's mouths. They start licking one another...which leads to a nude rimming fuck scene that is as hot as it is taboo (if the two were real ID twins, anyway). Twincest has never been this seductive.
"Dicks! The Musical" is available to rent on Prime and AppleTV.
Frank J. Avella is a proud EDGE and Awards Daily contributor. He serves as the GALECA Industry Liaison and is a Member of the New York Film Critics Online. His award-winning short film, FIG JAM, has shown in Festivals worldwide (figjamfilm.com). Frank's screenplays have won numerous awards in 17 countries. Recently produced plays include LURED & VATICAL FALLS, both O'Neill semifinalists. He is currently working on a highly personal project, FROCI, about the queer Italian/Italian-American experience. He is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild. https://filmfreeway.com/FrankAvella https://muckrack.com/fjaklute