Lonesome

Viewer Advice: Contains high-impact sex scenes.

A revealing (in more ways than one) look at sexually charged gay youth and the connections made in the heat of naked self-discovery.

After becoming involved in a scandal in his small rural hometown, the young and handsome Casey heads to Sydney with his cowboy hat, no money and a desire for liberation. Utilising hook-up apps for both sex and shelter, he eventually crosses paths with Tib – similarly striking and fresh-faced, and laden with his own baggage. Amid the carnal whims of the big city, the pair soon develop a closeness, but will they be able to keep their demons at bay and let this bond become something more?

Not much goes unseen in the dauntless second feature from Teddy Award winner Craig Boreham (Teenage Kicks); nudity and graphic acts unfold in a way that is extremely rare for contemporary Australian cinema. Following the film’s world premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival, local audiences should brace for its no-holds-barred depiction of youthful risk-taking and sexual experimentation. Featuring sumptuous cinematography by Dean Francis (Drown) and an unforgettable supporting role from NRL player turned actor Ian Roberts (Superman Returns), the conversation-starting Lonesome may just be a Head On for a modern age.

“It’s rare that we see Australian country films revolve around the queer experience. But [Lonesome] is changing that.” – DNA