Weekend: review

Luke Hearfield reviews Weekend, a post-modern tale of contemporary gay relationships, produced by Newcastle graduate Andrew Haigh.

There’s a big sigh of relief when you go to view something by a Newcastle University graduate and discover that what they’ve produced is a beautiful piece of post-modern art. Andrew Haigh’s Weekend is a delightfully honest tale of contemporary gay relationships.

Set in the urban backdrop of Nottingham, Russell (Tom Cullen) ditches a house party on a solemn Friday night to find some companionship in a gay bar. There he meets Glen (Chris New), and what starts as a one night stand turns into something deeper. The casual pillow talk of the morning after their special connection is limited by Glen leaving for America on Sunday night; hence it becomes an ‘enjoy-it-while-it-lasts’ story.

Even though nothing exciting seems to go on, the reality comes from simply watching the developing intimacy between Glen and Russell. Whether chatting on the sofa, taking drugs or having sex,  the actions of the characters never seem forced.  Director Haigh doesn’t exploit any nature of gay-hate to amplify the drama. It’s more about the melodrama of seemingly special relationships limited by a ticking clock.

Both Chris New and Tom Cullen give wonderfully down-to-earth performances. They each present uniquely different characters yet retain a believable, tender chemistry that appears completely natural. Thankfully Weekend doesn’t force any political statement about the gay ethos or gay marriage, even though it does touch upon those ideas.

VERDICT

The film is definitely not for everyone but whether gay or straight, it’s simply a well executed, modern day telling of two people crossing paths and discovering a connection.