Luca Guadagnino’s Latest Film, Queer, Earns High Praise for Searing Performance by Daniel Craig
Luca Guadagnino’s latest film, Queer, has been receiving widespread acclaim since its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Based on William S. Burroughs’ unfinished novel of the same name, the film is a surreal journey through Mexico and South America in the 1950s, exploring themes of the Beat Generation and author William S. Burroughs’ life.
The film follows William Lee, played by Daniel Craig, who becomes infatuated with a younger man, Eugene Allerton, played by Drew Starkey. The two have a tentative romance, which is the heart of the story, and is elevated by a talented supporting cast, including Jason Schwartzman, Lesley Manville, and newcomer Omar Apollo, who also performs the song “The Maldigo” for the film.
In an interview with Screen Rant, Starkey and Apollo shared their initial reactions to the script, which they described as “beautifully done” and “incredibly smart.” They praised Daniel Craig’s on-screen magnetism and generosity as a scene partner, which elevated many of the film’s best moments.
Guadagnino’s vision is aided by a smart script by Justin Kuritzkes, who also worked with him on Challengers. The film’s surreal imagery is reminiscent of Guadagnino’s previous work, and critics are praising it as a deeply moving and intense drama.
