Directed by Neil Armfield and starring Ryan Corr, Craig Stott, Guy Pearce, and Sarah Snook, Holding the Man is a powerful film about true love and the lengths we go to for the ones we love.
The film follows two men, Tim (Corr) and John (Stott), who are head over heels in love. The problem? It’s the’70’s, and their love is forbidden. Over the next fifteen years, they face temptation, hatred, passion, and loss. Then a terrible diagnosis brings them closer together.
The acting was good, and the chemistry between the two men was believable. My heart broke whenever they fought or were separated, and cheered when their love overcame the obstavles thrown at them. Guy Pearce and Sarah Snook gave great supporting performances, and every emotion felt valid and hard hitting.
This film starts off light-hearted, and progressively grows darker and bleaker. When one of the men received their terrible prognosis, my heart shattered. As his condition worsened, it was almost too devastating to watch. What pulled me through was seeing the absolute love these two had for each other.
The movie felt a tad too long, and tended to flit between the issues the couple faced instead of fleshing them out.
Overall, this was an emotional, well-acted film that tore my heart out. It’s a little too long, but it’s worth a watch.
Verdict: 3.5/5
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