Gay relationships are messy. Let’s be real—between the swipe-left culture, hookup apps on every corner, and the glorification of open relationships, monogamy gets treated like some dusty relic from the past. But why should queer couples chain themselves to “traditional” rules that weren’t even made for us? Who actually wants to settle for a relationship that feels like a straight, invented by straights, cookie-cutter cage dressed up as commitment?
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Review by Julie C. Sheppard:
Short film Johnny Be Good is a thoughtful exploration of a gay couple within a culture of open relationships. Through stirring and often edgy narration, the story unfolds as a gay man finds himself desperately enamored with another.
The film opens with a spirited gay bar scene. The sexy wardrobe, the upbeat synth music and the dim, smoky air with disco ball shards of light really capture the passion and excitement of happy, flirtatious gay men having a blast. As the film plays out, gorgeous slow-motion montages of the two main characters spending quality moments together seemingly reveal their genuine feelings for one another.
The screenplay is brilliant in its rapid segway to misery and revenge. The dizzying camera work and biting on screen text show the inner workings of the lead’s feelings of hurt and betrayal, and the desire for vengeance. This film underscores the human need for connection, but it proves that this can mean different things to different people – – in this case, in gay relationships – – which makes the film all the more nuanced and sophisticated.
Festival Reviews 