“Young Royals”
Image Credit: Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection
Soapy teen stories are so much better when they’re gay, and “Young Royals” is one of the gayest and soapiest. The Swedish series, which has released two seasons and will return for a third and final, focuses on the romance between Wille (Edvin Ryding) and Simon (Omar Rudberg), two outsider teens at the country’s prestigious Hillerska boarding school. Their sweet connection is complicated by the fact that Simon is a scholarship student, while Wille is a prince in the Swedish royal family, and is more or less forced to remain in the closet because of it. Their bond also gets tested by their fellow students around them, including Wille’s evil cousin August (Malte Gårdinger), childhood friend Felice (Nikita Uggla), and Simon’s social-climbing sister Sara (Frida Argento).
“The Andy Warhol Diaries”
Image Credit: Netflix
Executive producer Ryan Murphy takes Andy Warhol enthusiasts and neophytes alike into a melancholy immersion of the man’s life and work — using his own words and voice reconstructed with artificial intelligence — in “The Andy Warhol Diaries.” While Warhol was seemingly scrupulous about keeping his private life private — often flippantly telling journalists he was “asexual” — there’s plenty beneath the surface of his groundbreaking 20th-century art to suggest otherwise. That’s one of the achievements of “The Andy Warhol Diaries,” which melds talking-head testimonies from those who knew him (Julian Schnabel, John Waters, Fab Five Freddy, Jerry Hall, Debbie Harry, and many, many more) with impressionistic montages of his work and archival snippets from his New York scene at the Factory.
Everything Sucks! (2018)
If the title of this show is the tagline of your life’s story, then you should head over to the comedy section of Netflix. Some great sitcoms make your day, and ‘Everything Sucks!’ is one of them. Boring is a small town in Oregon, and this is where the story of this show is set. At the center of it are two social outcasts who try to do something radical — making a film about the school. This becomes the premise for further struggles in love and personal lives. One of the boys falls in love with the principal’s daughter, Kate. She is a great character because, through her, we see someone exploring their sexuality and checking out all options, making sure they know who they are before settling on anything. You may stream the series here.
Dear White People (2017)
Most episodes of the show focus on a different character, allowing the creators to tell various stories that cut to the core of the black college experience. Dear White People has been praised for its thoughtful commentary on American race relations and LGBTQ issues through outstanding comedy.
The story follows the lives of several black students as racial tension rises at Winchester University: these students are not perfect people; many make mistakes or behave in apparently contradictory ways. There´s Sam (played by Logan Browning), the main character in the 2014 film, a woke radio host that calls out the racist and privileged attitudes of white students on campus, yet we find out in the first chapter that she has a white boyfriend and doesn’t want her black friends to find out.
At the same time, Sam’s friend-turned-enemy Coco (Antoinette Robertson) sympathizes with the group her ex-friend is critiquing, even though she’s black herself. Then there´s Lionel (DeRon Horton), a closeted gay man who wants to make a change but doesn’t have the courage to take part in the fight.
Dear White People features various black and queer characters and their journey to find themselves in oppressive Winchester University. Like most shows, it finds its footing as the seasons go along, with some of its weakest storylines being part of season one. Yet when you see those first storylines develop, like Lionel’s or Kelsey’s (Nia Jervier), it all becomes worth it.
Grand Army (2020)
is a teen drama similar to previous shows like Skins or Degrassi. It somehow slipped under the pop culture radar (probably because it overlapped with Euphoria’s rise to popularity), but it deserves much more recognition.
The show follows five teenagers (Joey Del Marco, Dom Pierre, Sid Pakam, Jayson Jackson, and Leila Kwan Zimmer) who attend Grand Army High School, in Brooklyn. The first episode starts with a bomb. Literally. There is a terrorist attack near the high school, and Grand Army has to go under lockdown.
From this moment on, the audience will face the harsh reality of being a teenager in modern-day America. From rape culture to racism and bullying, the series tackles many of the hardships of being young nowadays.
One of our main characters, Sid, is a first-generation American, the son of Indian immigrants, and we see him struggle from the beginning with his sexual identity. In his essay for a college application, he writes about his feelings about being of Indian heritage and a closeted gay young man.
Even though his college counselor advises him to see a therapist, Sid decides to hook up with random men from Grindr, leading him to worry about STDs. At the same time, he has to deal with hiding his identity from a group of friends who constantly display toxic masculinity behaviors (such as objectifying women, including Sid’s sister).
Overall, Grand Army is a terrific show. Its reality may be exaggerated for plot purposes, but it’s still very realistic and sympathetic. Everyone can see themselves in one of the characters and identify with their struggles to find their identity.
Sense8 (2015)
The show was met with lots of praise, and it’s considered a return to form for the Wachowskis. The first season premiered in 2015, and the second one in 2016 and 2017. Yet the series was canceled before the third one, leaving the second season cliffhanger unresolved. After much criticism, Netflix greenlit a feature-length episode that would serve as a series finale. This final episode was released in 2018.
The show begins with eight people who, in different parts of the world, mystically witness the suicide of a mysterious woman (Daryl Hannah). With the guidance of a man named Jonas (Naveen Andrews), the eight meet and discover that they are “sensates”, human beings who share a mental and emotional link, being able to telepathically communicate and share information.
This ensemble cast of protagonists consists of eight multinational actors: Aml Ameen, Bae Donna, Brian J. Smith, Jamie Clayton, Tina Desai, Tuppence Middleton, Max Riemelt, and Miguel Ángel Silvestre. Their empathetic powers will be their only tool to survive those hunting them down.
Sense8 is rightfully considered the best LGBTQ show of all time. The empathy that characterizes “sensates” makes them rethink all about themselves: from their way of thinking to their sexuality and gender. With these genius premises, The Wachowskis explore a myriad of queer issues in a fantastic way. Sense8 is a mind-bending television event and one of the best LGBTQ Netflix shows that everyone should watch – even if it were undoubtedly canceled before its time.
Orange Is The New Black (2013)
Orange Is the New Black (2013), by Jenji Kohan, is an American comedy-drama show about women’s lives in a federal prison. The story for the show was based on a 2010 memoir by Piper Kerman, titled Orange Is the New Black: My year in Women’s Prison.
With its first season premiering in 2013, the show ended after seven seasons in 2019. It’s one of Netflix’s most-watched and best-regarded shows, having won sixteen Emmy Awards during its whole run. Orange Is the New Black features a diverse ensemble cast of talented actresses, many of whom were propelled to stardom after participating in the show.
At first, the show revolves only around Piper (Taylor Schilling), a middle-aged New Yorker who’s sent to prison for fifteen months for a crime she committed ten years before: Piper had carried a suitcase containing drug money at the urge of her then-girlfriend Alex (Laura Prepon), who was a drug smuggler.
In prison, she’s reunited with Alex and meets several other female inmates, including Russian mother-figure Galina (Kate Mulgrew), former drug addict Nicky (Natasha Lyonne), and her friend-with-benefits, the romantic Italian Lorna “Muccio” (Yael Stone). Her time spent in prison will completely change Piper, who will reevaluate her relationship with Alex and learn a lot about the American Prison System.
Orange Is the New Black features some of the best portrayals of queer individuals on television. In 2013, its depiction of strong yet very flawed women-loving women was unprecedented. Not only that, but it also broke ground on the representation of black queerness, with characters’ like the romantic Suzanne “Crazy Eye” and the beloved Poussey. This foundational show will move anyone who watches it.
Grace and Frankie (2015-2021)
is a rare occurrence in television. It is a show about the unlikely female friendship of two senior women, that develops due to two failed marriages and a blossoming gay relationship. The iconic Jane Fonda stars as Grace and Lilly Tomlin shines in the role of Frankie.
Grace and Frankie have never particularly liked each other and are only related to each other because of their husbands, Sol and Robert, who have been friends for years.
However, the show begins with the reveal that the two men are not only friends and business partners: they have also been lovers for the past twenty years, and have decided to leave their wives and pursue their own relationship. After this shocking discovery, the two women try to overcome their differences to help each other through this shared experience.
Even though they begin by losing relationships with their husbands, they will gain a beautiful friendship. Grace and Frankie is one of the very few shows to acknowledge elderly LGBTQ+ relationships. Seeing a show about self-discovery and exploring your identity well after your teenage years is refreshing. Its witty dialogue, along with the brilliant performances of the cast, make for a highly entertaining watch.
Queer Eye (2018 – )
Everyone needs a break from life every now and then. A makeover is a great way to implement something new, stir things up a bit, and keep it exciting. However, most people don’t get the time to channel that side of themselves and end up leading morose lives. The Fab Five were brought back for this very reason: to help people change their lives. In every episode, a person is nominated. This person could need help with anything to prepare themselves for a first date or need a confidence boost for their upcoming interviews. When the Fab Five are done with you, you’ll not be the same person again. You can watch the series here.
Read More: Best Supernatural Shows on Netflix
Trinkets (2019-2020)
The web adaptation of the 2013 namesake novel by Kirsten Smith, ‘Trinkets’ is about three vastly different young girls, Elodie (Brianna Hildebrand), Moe (Mackenzie Lenton), and Tabitha (Quintessa Swindell), who have one thing in common: they are all kleptomaniacs. They become acquainted at a Shoplifters Anonymous meeting and subsequently agree to maintain an amount of secrecy around their friendship. Among the main three characters, Elodie is queer. Her relationship with a singer named Sabine (Katrina Cunningham) is a major plot point in the series.
While ‘Trinkets’ is not one of the top-rated teen dramas that Netflix has released in recent years, it is still a well-made, relatively short-lived show with a compelling storyline and complex characters. It deals with a variety of social issues without being too preachy. ‘Trinkets’ is helped by the absence of any major star in its cast, as all three protagonists get separate chances to shine. Hildebrand is the most well-known member of that cast. She portrayed Negasonic Teenage Warhead in the ‘Deadpool’ films. You can stream the series here.
«Rotten Tomatoes» опубликовал список лучших фильмов
Недавно популярный киносайт-агрегатор рецензий «Rotten Tomatoes» отметил своё 25-летие. В связи с этим кинокритики отобрали для сайта список самых лучших фильмов за последние 25 лет. Наша команда нашла в этом списке несколько отличных квир-фильмов. Спешим поделиться ими с вами!
Третье место: «Маллхоланд Драйв»
Хоть фильм Дэвида Линча «Маллхоланд Драйв» вышел чуть больше двадцати лет назад, но он по-прежнем представляет собой прекрасный детективный триллер со множеством интересных сюжетных поворотов. В этом фильме Линч сделал отношения главных героинь центром повествования.
Также существует мнение, что в «Маллхоланд Драйв» Линч решил поднять тему открытости в Голливуде. Известно, что многие ЛГБТК-звезды были вынуждены хранить в тайне свою сексуальность. Более того, порой студии заставляли своих звезд вступать в гетеросексуальные браки — лишь бы не допустить распространениях каких-либо слухов.
Мы, конечно, могли бы проспойлерить вам сюжет этого фильма, но всё же советуем всем нашим читателям самостоятельно ознакомиться с этой картиной. «Маллхоланд Драйв» того стоит!
Пятое место: «Портрет девушки в огне»
«Портрет девушки в огне» — это фильм, получивший приз за лучший сценарий от жюри Каннского кинофестиваля. Кроме того, он получил «Квир-пальмовую ветвь» как лучший ЛГБТК-фильм. Фильм рассказывает историю любви аристократки, которую вскоре выдают замуж, и художницы, пишущей ее портрет.
Как отметили критики, «Портрет девушки в огне» — это необычайно насыщенный исторический фильм, в котором есть как захватывающая драма, заставляющая зрителей задуматься, так и прекрасно сыгранный лесбийский роман. Любителям ЛГБТК-фильмов (и просто хороших кинокартин) — обязательно к просмотру!
Девятое место: «Матрица»
Кто не знаком с культовой классикой сёстер Вачовски? «Матрица» получила множество наград и на сегодняшний день по-прежнему является отличным научно-фантастическим боевиком. Кроме того, в этом фильме сёстры Вачовски поднимают вопрос об идентичности человека и его самоопределении.
Так, например, Лилли Вачовски рассказывала, что «Матрица» — это метафора трансгендерной идентичности. Таким образом фильм затрагивал желание трансформации, но с точки зрения людей, ещё не совершивших трансгендерный переход или каминг-аут.
Четырнадцатое место: «Лунный свет»
Фильм «Лунный свет», вышедший в 2016-ом году, рассказывает о жизни темнокожего гомосексуального мужчины, растущего в Майами. В фильме главный герой проходит через три этапа своей жизни, пытаясь примириться со своей сексуальностью и идентичностью.
Фильм стал первым массовым художественным фильмом на ЛГБТК-тематику с полностью темнокожим актерским составом и был отмечен критиками за грамотное изображение таких тем, как сексуальность и мужественность. Кроме того, этот фильм был удостоен премии «Оскар».
Пятнадцатое место: «Всё везде и сразу»
«Всё везде и сразу» — это, наверное, самый безумный (в хорошем смысле слова) фильм за последние годы. Тут вам и паралелльные вселенные, и боевые искусства, и множество отсылок к другим фильмам… В общем, чего там только нет. Это фильм, который полон сюрпризов.
В том числе в фильме присутствует довольно эмоциональная история о принятии квир-персон. Этот фильм буквально «пропитан» идеей о том, как научиться любить людей такими, какие они есть. Как и в случае с «Маллхоланд Драйвом», не хочется спойлерить сюжет этого фильма: чем меньше ты знаешь, тем интереснее смотреть. Так что советуем потратить пару часов вашего времени и обязательно познакомиться с этой кинокартиной!
Недавно мы вспоминали десять самых необычных квир-фильмов с высокими рейтингами от зрителей сайта «MUBI». Советуем ознакомиться!
В продолжении темы
17 словацких спортсменов, которым «нечего скрывать» от фотографа
Обнажённый мир Оливера Скарлина
14 ЛГБТК+ фильмов и сериалов, которые стоит посмотреть в апреле
Украинская церковь потребовала удалить клип из-за «поддержки ЛГБТ-идеологии»
The House Of Flowers (2018)
(2018), by Manolo Caro, is a Mexican black comedy show about a wealthy family that owns a floristry and a cabaret. The show has been highly praised for its writing, but most of all, audiences were enamored by the characters.
Paulina de la Mora (played by Cecilia Suárez), for one, it’s now considered an icon, with her sayings and reactions being a part of Mexican culture. The show consists of three seasons which were released between 2018 and 2020. In 2021 a spin-off feature film was released on Netflix (The House of Flowers: The Movie), continuing the story of the de la Mora family.
The responsibility for his famous floristry, franchised, and that of his secret gay-friendly cabaret (both bearing the name “The House of Flowers”), lies on the eldest daughter, Paulina. Shortly, Virginia de la Mora (Verónica Castro), Ernesto’s wife, learns of the cabaret and struggles with Paulina for control of the family’s future. In the middle of this are caught Paulina’s siblings: sexually ambiguous Julián (Darío Yazbek Bernal) and cosmopolitan Elena (Aislinn Derbez).
The House of Flowers has its queer Latinx characters take center stage, with several of the struggles during their trying times having to do with coming to terms and facing backlash for being who there are. Playing with the tired tropes of telenovelas, it turns old stereotypes on their heads: the new head of the family, Paulina, is a proud feminist whose sexuality will take a turn as the show progresses.
The House of Flowers is an immaculate show, beautifully shot and emotionally written, a must-watch for anyone who loves all things queer.
BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)
was a game-changer in terms of animated series for adults. Viewers who watched it from the beginning, have noted how, at first, the series seems to be a funny satire about Hollywood and its frivolous lifestyle, but it gradually evolves into a dramedy that deals with serious topics such as alcoholism, intergenerational trauma and abuse.
The show presents the audience with one of the rare occurrences of explicitly asexual characters on TV. One of the main characters, Todd, BoJack’s roommate and sometimes best friend, reveals in later seasons that he is asexual.
This leads to various storylines in which we see Todd dealing with the dating world while being asexual. He soon realizes that some people may not want a relationship with him because of this, but he also discovers that more people like him are also looking for love and companionship.
The show also deals with the treatment of gay people in the entertainment industry, and how in the past decades, it was still stigmatized as anything other than straight in the public eye.
If you’re going to watch a Netflix animated series, we strongly recommend you watch BoJack Horseman. It’s an incredibly funny comedy, but be prepared to cry for anthropomorphized animals on more than one occasion.
“The Ultimatum: Queer Love”
Image Credit: Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection
It doesn’t quite rise to the heights of the iconic all-queer season of MTV’s “Are You The One?” But “The Ultimatum: Queer Love” is a refreshing antidote to the many, many, MANY straight as hell dating reality shows that Netflix have gifted (?) subscribers over the years. A marked improvement from the original “The Ultimatum,” which featured a cast of contestants so toxic that it went past entertaining and into concerning territory, the “Queer Love” iteration stars a group of gay women and non-binary leads on the verge of marriage as they are tasked with mingling with other couples, and choose to pair up with someone outside their original pairing to live with for three weeks.
Ratched (2020)
Created by Evan Romansky and Ryan Murphy, ‘Ratched’ provides the backstory to one of the most iconic villains of world cinema, Nurse Ratched. Ken Kesey created the character for his 1962 novel ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.’ In 1975, Czech-American filmmaker Miloš Forman adapted the book for a film of the same name, in which Louise Fletcher delivered an Oscar-winning performance as Nurse Mildred Ratched. Murphy and Romansky set their version in the late 1940s and developed a psychological thriller drama series that is as different as it could have been from the source material. Like a typical Ryan Murphy fare, it’s filled to the brim with shock-inducing scenes, self-awareness, and utter insanity.
The love story between Ratched (Sarah Paulson) and Gwendolyn Briggs (Cynthia Nixon), the press secretary to the governor of California, is placed at the heart of the series. The audience is well aware of what the future likely holds for these characters, and part of the show’s tragedy derives directly from that. ‘Ratched’ doesn’t necessarily address the issues that the contemporary members of the LGBTQ+ community were facing. Instead, it builds a near-utopian world around its protagonist and her love interest and offers them a temporary happy ending at the end of season 1. You may watch the show here.
Sense8
Несмотря на то, что это научно-фантастический сериал, написанный и снятый сестрами Вачовски, создателями «Матрицы», он стал иконой гей-сообщества. В этом сериале любовь не имеет пола; Один из главных героев — Номи Маркс, хакер-транссексуал, который пытается спасти своих разумных братьев с помощью своей девушки и который должен постоянно терпеть отказ своей матери. Другой персонаж — Лито, мексиканский актер, который годами скрывал своего партнера и свои сексуальные предпочтения, чтобы добиться известности. Одна из самых важных сцен второго сезона была записана во время гей-парада в Бразилии. 8 июня на Netflix был выпущен последний эпизод Sense8, так что пора его посмотреть и наверстать упущенное!
“Badhaai Do”
Image Credit: Junglee Pictures
Queer representation in mainstream Bollywood is still in its early stages, but Harshvardhan Kulkarni’s “Badhaai Do” (written by Kulkarni, Suman Adhikary, and Akshat Ghildial) offers a cheeky twist with less heavy-handed messaging than most.
Shardul (Rajkummar Rao) and Suman (Bhumi Pednekar) couldn’t be less interested in the heterosexual marriages their parents keep pushing on them, so they get married to appease their families and continue pursuing queer relationships. But being married presents its own challenges, including living in Shardul’s strict police quarters and mounting pressure from their parents who want grandchildren. When Suman starts seeing Rimjhim (Chum Darang), they find themselves dodging question after question and losing steam to maintain the facade that she’s a visiting cousin.
Eastsiders (2012 -)
Set in Los Angeles, ‘Eastsiders’ follows the story of a gay couple who tries to set right the dynamics of their relationship. Cal and Thom have been together for four years, but it becomes difficult to keep it running when Cal discovers that Thom has been cheating on him with someone else. Furious and heartbroken, he decides not to break up with Thom because he loves him too much for that, but agrees with himself that payback is in order. Thus, a series of infidel affairs and the unhampered use of drugs leads them down a very difficult path. Apart from them, Kathy, Cal’s best friend, also comes to the limelight from time to time. You can stream the series here.
Teenage Bounty Hunters (2020)
‘Teenage Bounty Hunters,’ a hit Netflix series created by Kathleen Jordan, is a blend of comedy, drama, and action. Set in Atlanta, the show revolves around twin sisters Sterling (Maddie Phillips) and Blair Wesley (Anjelica Bette Fellini), who balance their high school life with an unexpected part-time job: capturing criminals as bounty hunters. The duo teams up with experienced bounty hunter Bowser Jenkins (Kadeem Hardison) to navigate the thrilling world of fugitive recovery. As the sisters juggle teenage dilemmas with their unconventional profession, the series explores their journey of self-discovery, relationships, and the complexities of growing up, all while delivering witty humor and unexpected plot twists. You can watch the series here.
Grand Army (2020)
‘Grand Army,’ created by Katie Cappiello, is a drama series that fervently addresses themes of LGBTQ sexuality. Set in a Brooklyn high school, the show spans a diverse ensemble cast, including Odessa A’zion, Amalia Yoo, and Maliq Johnson, as it unfolds the tumultuous lives of contemporary teenagers navigating issues of identity, race, and sexuality. Amidst the multifaceted plotlines, the series delves into LGBTQ experiences with depth and authenticity, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of queer characters. As they grapple with self-discovery and societal expectations, ‘Grand Army’ offers a poignant and impactful portrayal of LGBTQ sexuality within the framework of modern youth culture. You may watch it here.
One Day at a Time (2017-2019)
One of Netflix’s most acclaimed and popular comedies, which was surprisingly canceled this year, ‘One Day at a Time’ follows the day-to-day struggles of a Cuban-American family. At the center of the story is Penelope. A war veteran, she works as a nurse and tries to raise her children with the help of her mother after separating from her husband. While there are a lot of themes that this show assimilates into its storyline, one of the most prominent ones is homosexuality. Elena is Penelope’s teenage daughter, who discovers that she is a lesbian. It is through her story that the struggles of LGBTQ+ people in getting acceptance from society are shown. You may watch the show here.
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The Politician (2019-2020)
Created by the infamous Ryan Murphy, is a drama-comedy about the trials and tribulations of high school politics in the first season and real-world politics in the second season. Love him or hate him, Murphy always manages to create entertaining and hilarious shows.
He has a discerning eye for current matters, which he often ridicules and exaggerates as a form of critique. The series stars the talented Ben Platt, who you may recognize for his role in Pitch Perfect as Benjie or as the leading actor in the controversial film Dear Evan Hansen.
The show begins when Payton Hobart (Platt), a rich teenager in California, decides to start his campaign for class president at Saint Sebastian High School. This is part of his long-term plan to become president of the United States.
However, the show begins with a very shocking event. His contender is none other than River, a boy with whom Payton had a secret relationship, and he is choosing as vice president a gender-non-conforming black student, something that Payton considers would boost his image in public opinion.
River apologizes for this and commits suicide right in front of Payton. While the audience may be extremely unsettled by this course of action, Payton decides to continue his plan and run for the class presidency.
If you are a fan of Murphy’s other shows, such as Glee, Scream Queens or American Horror Story, then the comedy in The Politician is right up your alley. It is sometimes over the top and brutal, but it often delivers an intelligent critique of current issues.
I Am Not Okay With This (2020)
The best way to describe this show is to imagine what Carrie would look like if Carrie were a closeted lesbian, exploring the awkwardness, sorrow and comedy of being in that position. is a fantastic show about a young girl, Sydney (played by Sophia Lillis), who discovers she has telekinetic powers, that are related to her feelings of depression and anxiety surging after her father died in mysterious circumstances.
Sydney’s best friend, Dina, begins a relationship with the school’s jock, filling her with inexplicable jealousy. At the same time, she starts seeing a boy called Stu, who, despite being funny and charismatic, doesn’t seem to ignite a spark in Syd.
Through these relationships, she will come to terms with her sexuality. Dina and Stu will also play key roles in her investigation of her telekinetic powers, how it connects with her father’s death in the army, and her feelings of depression.
Even though the show was canceled, it’s still worth the watch, especially if you love the Sci-Fi genre and coming-of-age stories. It’s funny, charming and moving at every turn.
Feel Good (2020)
The show tells a touching story with some heavy subjects: alcohol and drug addiction, for one. It also touches on the dangers of toxic relatives. Yet its constant delivery of immaculate deadpan comedy makes it a great watch. Feel Good consists of two seasons, with six episodes each: the first one was released in March 2020 and the second one in June 2021.
The show follows the life of Mae, a fictionalized version of non-binary Canadian comedian Mae Martin. Like her real-life counterpart, Mae is a stand-up comic and a drug addict. Having moved to Manchester, England, Mae performs stand-up in several open mics in the city.
One night, she notices a girl who she has seen before sitting at a table alone in the open mic. Turns out George (played by Charlotte Ritchie) has come to see her several times before. At the show’s end, Mae approaches her, and George tells her that, even though she has never been with a woman and comes from a very conservative background, she likes her.
Feel Good revolves around their relationship and their own inner conflicts. Not only has Mae to deal with her drug addiction, seeking help in a new rehabilitation group in the city, but she also is forced to face her deep-rooted fear of commitment.
At the same time, George is trying to come to terms with her newfound love for women. Her reluctance to introduce Mae to her friends and family will cause distress in their relationship. With hilarious performances by Martin and Ritchie, Feel Good is one of the best queer shows in recent years.
“The Power of the Dog”
Image Credit: Netflix
Jane Campion’s chiseled Western features Benedict Cumberbatch in a career-high performance as a repressed cattle rancher who likes the smell of his own stink, Jesse Plemons as his more civilized but obviously codependent brother, and Kirsten Dunst as his inward-coiling wife who finally explodes. But the real deal in “The Power of the Dog” is the promise of Australian actor Kodi Smit-McPhee as Peter, Dunst’s lithe and otherworldly son whose gimlet eyes conceal wells of mystery, pain, and rage. Draped across this tapestry of fine actors is Ari Wegner’s sinister vision of 1920s Montana.
Elite (2018-2021)
It’s surprising when a show from a non-English-speaking country gets so much attention that it becomes a worldwide phenomenon. is one of those rare occurrences in which the original plot, compelling character, and talented actors overcome the language barrier.
The show is a teen drama/thriller -reminiscent of hist shows like Pretty Little Liars and Gossip Girl, about a group of privileged students who attend a private school for rich kids called “Las Encinas”, where a crime occurs. One of their classmates, Marina, has been murdered and a police investigation begins to reveal more than one secret.
Elite deals with a wide variety of themes, such as classism, xenophobia, islamophobia, and sexual diversity. One of the main relationships is the one between Ander, played by fan-favorite Arón Piper, and Omar, played by Omar Ayuso. Ander and Omar come from different backgrounds.
Ander is the privileged son of the school’s headmaster; he is an athlete and is pressured by his family to excel in everything. Meanwhile, Omar is the son of Palestinian immigrants. He only meets the kids from Las Encinas because his sister was offered a scholarship there, and he resorts to drug dealing as a way to support himself financially. Despite their differences, there is an undeniable attraction between the two boys that will develop into more than a fling.
The show also features many other characters who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, such as Rebeka, Polo, and Mencía. Both the mystery about Marina’s murder and the different relationships that take place within the group keep the viewer hooked to the screen and wanting more.
Kissing Game (2020)
‘Kissing Game,’ created by Esmir Filho, is a Brazilian teen drama series that combines elements of thriller and coming-of-age genres. Set in a rural town, the show follows a group of high school students who become entangled in a mysterious and deadly virus transmitted through kissing. As the virus spreads, panic and paranoia grip the community, testing friendships and revealing hidden secrets. Filho’s creation deftly combines elements of suspense with the complexities of youth, making “Kissing Game” a thrilling exploration of adolescent life amidst an enigmatic pandemic. You may watch the show here.