\u201cHolding the Man\u201d is one of those films that\u2019ll make you laugh, cry, and possibly rethink your hair choices. Set in Australia, it tells the love story of Tim and John, two blokes navigating life, love, and some seriously dodgy fashion choices in the 70s and 80s. Let\u2019s break down why this film is a must-watch and, if should be considered a queer classic in years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First off, let\u2019s address the accents. We’re pretty sure the actors are both toning down their Australian accents? Maybe a smidge, and it works for Tim (Ryan Corr) as his slightly British affectation fits his theatre kid character. For John (Craig Stott) it’s likely a little more that the true accent of a footy boy from the 70s with Italian parents is likely to need subtitles. The change in accents isn’t jarring though and fits throughout the movie. It\u2019s enough to keep the Aussie authenticity and thankfully didn’t go too far the other way as when Hollywood represents us Aussies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The decision to have the same actors play both the young and older versions of Tim and John likely came from the origins of this story as a play but it does a great job of keeping things consistent and spares us from that awkward game of \u201cWho\u2019s that supposed to be now?\u201d And speaking of awkward, welcome to 1976\u2014an era of flared pants, questionable life choices, and, of course, John\u2019s mullet. The mullet is a character in itself, one that should probably have been left on the cutting room floor or the floor of the cheap wig shop where they found it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The film makes a massive leap from 1976 to 1985 as it’s first-time change. There’s a bit of back and forth throughout the movie which requires a moment of adjustment each time but overall the storytelling is well done. The film is by no means linear in time but rather the choice is made to highlight key, poignant moments from the love story of these two men. Each of these moments deepens our connection to the characters, their stories and their love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the movie was adapted from a play, which was adapted from Tim Conigrave’s autobiography, director Neil Armfield takes his opportunities to highlight aspects in a way you couldn’t on stage. Take the scene where Tim and John share a kiss after exchanging Christmas presents. The close-up, intimate shot highlights the size difference between them and thus brings to the fore the contrast between a relatively healthy Tim and John in the late stages of his AIDS battle. This is done with a closeness and tenderness that captures another intimate moment of love between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And then there\u2019s the scene where John dies. We can imagine this presented very similarly on the stage. A slow-moving, deliberate moment which highlights John and the key people in his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHolding the Man\u201d does a fantastic job representing queer love without falling into the usual tropes. Tim\u2019s sexuality isn\u2019t immediately obvious, which keeps things intriguing. We assume that Pepe (Sarah Snook) knows and a couple of his other friends. What\u2019s refreshing is that Tim and John aren\u2019t isolated misfits\u2014they have friends right from the start, making this more of a suburban love story than your typical coming-out drama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tim\u2019s bold declaration, \u201cI like you,\u201d comes early and with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. The tension is real, especially when Tim writes that forward, risky letter to John. It\u2019s the kind of letter that makes you sweat just reading it. You know it’s going to cause issues and it does. However, when John reciprocates in both those instances, the story moves quickly into the depth of teen love and the relief of each of them living their best lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The film also offers a unique look at how the Jesuits react to Tim and John\u2019s relationship. Surprisingly, the Father gives Tim another chance, and while everyone finds out about their relationship pretty quickly, the reactions are a mixed bag. Tim\u2019s friends are surprisingly chill about it, which is a relief given the macho banter they\u2019d been throwing around earlier. The parents, though? That\u2019s another story\u2014except for John\u2019s mum, who\u2019s all about love and acceptance, proving once again that mums often know best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dialogue in \u201cHolding the Man\u201d is a goldmine of memorable lines, swinging from laugh-out-loud funny to gut-wrenchingly real. Gems like \u201cI should\u2019ve worked harder to make you cum\u201d and \u201cEffeminate monkeys don\u2019t get work\u201d remind us how far we\u2019ve come (and how far we still have to go). The film doesn\u2019t shy away from tackling heavy themes like prejudice, acceptance, conflict, and AIDS, but it does so with a personal touch that makes these familiar issues feel fresh and impactful without being cliche or too tropey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to iconic status, \u201cHolding the Man\u201d has all the makings of an Australian classic. Sure, if Hollywood had gotten its hands on it, it might have gone the way of \u201cPhiladelphia,\u201d but this film has its own unique charm. It might not have hit the mainstream, but within Australia and the queer community, it\u2019s got a certain level of iconic status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the end, \u201cHolding the Man\u201d is a beautifully crafted, intimate film that doesn\u2019t try to be a blockbuster but succeeds in being something even better: real, heartfelt, and unforgettable. It\u2019s the kind of movie that sneaks up on you and stays with you long after the credits roll\u2014much like John\u2019s mullet. And yes, you\u2019ll probably cry\u2014whether it\u2019s from laughter, heartbreak, or just the sheer Aussie-ness of it all. You can hear our full Holding The Man<\/em> review on the podcast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n