In a Bronx bar, a clash between traditional Italian-American “wiseguys” and the LGBTQ+ community leads to a confrontation that challenges the characters’ preconceptions and the dynamics of power.

Review by Julie C, Sheppard:

Arthur Ave. is a touching short set in the heart of the Bronx, New York City. There are fabulous, dizzying drone shots of the area off the top, then zooming in to Arthur Ave., and then finally landing inside the dark, smoky bar. 

The narrative is excellent, with a clear situational arc — starting with the dialogue by the racist, sexist jerks in the bar, the transition to their homophobic cruelty towards the happily married gay couple and, finally, the segment of understanding towards the couple by the bar owner. The performances of the cast are outstanding, notably the gay couple and the bar owner — such genuine vulnerability and warmth in their deliveries. Kudos to Roxy the dog, who also nails her performance. 

While it was satisfying to see justice delivered in this fictional tale, the real stat presented onscreen that more than 1 in 5 hate crimes are motivated by LGBTQ+ bias is quite sobering. The film is vitally important for all to see, and underscores the importance of the final note, writ large — “BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER” — a sincere message of compassion and love.