5 MORE Queer Crime Films
“Based on actual events. Brandon Teena is the popular new guy in a tiny Nebraska town. He hangs out with the guys, drinking, cussing, and bumper surfing, and he charms the young women, who’ve never met a more sensitive and considerate young man. Life is good for Brandon, now that he’s one of the guys and dating hometown beauty Lana; however, he’s forgotten to mention one important detail. It’s not that he’s wanted in another town for GTA and other assorted crimes, but that Brandon Teena was actually born a woman named Teena Brandon. When his best friends make this discovery, Brandon’s life is ripped apart.” – IMDb
Perhaps the most important trans film of queer cinema, “Boys Don’t Cry” is iconic and an important film to begin with. The fact that the story is based upon the real tragic murder of Brandon Teena only drives home the powerful, haunting message of the film even more. This is a film that is mean to disturb the viewer, to make them question what they would do in a similar situation. And let’s not ignore Hillary Swank’s award-winning performance as Brandon Teena! But the director, Kimberly Pierce, actually had difficulty casting Barndon before finally landing on Hilary. For nearly three years, she tried to find a trans actor to play the part, but was unsuccessful.
However, despite casing a cis woman in the role, the production team went to great lengths to portray a trans man accurately; Hilary Swank even lived as a man for a month! Cinematically, it’s equally an incredible film that everyone should watch – even though it’s actually a difficult film to watch. In fact, in 2019 the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress selected “Boys Don’t Cry” for preservation as they deemed it “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant. And I fully concur – if you have not yet seen “Boys Don’t Cry”, add it to the top of your watch list; especially if you are seeking to expand your trans film repertoire.
Watch Boys Don’t Cry on Amazon.
“The life and times of Dawn Davenport, showing her progress from loving schoolgirl to crazed mass murderer – all of which stems from her parents’ refusal to buy her cha-cha heels for Christmas. She runs away from home, is raped, becomes a single mother, criminal and glamorous model before her inevitable rendezvous with the electric chair…” – IMDb
John Walters is well known for creating shocking, trashy, and often revolting films that push boundaries. As a celebrated gay filmmaker, he himself has often said his films are queer themselves. They often contain queer characters or themes. And of course, we cannot ignore the queer icons that make up the main cast of many of his earlier films, such as the legendary Divine and Mink Stole! Their inclusion in “Female Trouble” though are not the only reasons why this is absolutely a queer crime film. Frankly, the storyline itself is absolutely a mix of comedy, dark humor, and crime – Dawn goes on a murder spree by the end!
Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of John Walter’s earlier works. “Female Trouble” is one of the three films within his “Trinity of Trash”, alongside Pink Flamingos and Desperate Living. And I’m not entirely sure why, because I absolutely love some of his later films! With “Female Trouble”, I think my issue is that it’s too much and too absurd. So much that I find it’s easy to get lost in everything that’s happening in the middle parts, paired with not exactly sure why each moment is included other than simply to shock viewers. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a good queer film! Many film aficionados absolutely LOVE “Female Trouble”, and let’s not forget that this queer crime film is what gave us Divine’s “cha cha shoes” Christmas scene! Give this queer film a watch, even if you end up not liking it. John Walter’s is a queer filmmaking legend worth checking out!
Watch Female Trouble on Amazon, Prime Video, and YouTube.
“Reclusive gym manager Lou falls hard for Jackie, an ambitious bodybuilder headed through town to Las Vegas in pursuit of her dream. But their love ignites violence, pulling them deep into the web of Lou’s criminal family.” – IMDb
To be written…
Watch Love Lies Bleeding on Prime Video, and Apple TV+.
“Danny is a gregarious, hedonistic romantic who gets drawn into the dangerous world of British espionage in this contemporary, emotional thriller. He falls for the anti-social but enigmatic Alex, both from opposite worlds, and they soon realise they’re perfect for each other. But when Alex suddenly disappears, Danny is utterly ill-equipped to take on his complex and codified world. Young, innocent and adrift he needs to decide whether he’s prepared to fight for the truth?” – IMDb
This five part queer mystery film/TV mini-series from Tom Rob Smith is QUITE a ride! But let’s be honest, a spy thriller-mystery wouldn’t be any good if there weren’t a few twists and turns. “London Spy” delivers all of that and more, even with the overbearing feeling that all is lost. One reviewer even noted that things seemed so dismal and slow moving, that he was bored. However, stick it out through till the end for the final twists are just as shocking as Alex’s disappearance.
However, the key reason that “London Spy” is part of this list is because at the heart of the series is a love story between two men, Alex and Danny. Furthermore, Danny’s older friend, Scotty (Jim Broadbent), provides an insight into the days when being gay was not only illegal in the UK but actually was viewed as a disgrace within MI6 and spy agencies. Not only is “London Spy” a great queer crime series, but it’s also an interesting viewing experience.
“The New York club scene of the 80s and 90s was a world like no other. Into this candy-colored, mirror ball playground stepped Michael Alig, a wannabe from nowhere special. Under the watchful eye of veteran club kid James St. James, Alig quickly rose to the top… and there was no place to go but down.” – IMDb
This queer crime film comes across as so absurd that it must be fiction, except it’s actually based on real life events. And according to the director, elements were tamed down to make the story more believable! One thing is certain for sure, watching this queer film is a unique experience. Both Macauley Culkin and Seth Green do a wonderful job bringing their real life characters to life on the screen, Michael Alig and James St. James respectively. Culkin’s portrayal makes you want to join the Club Kids yourself, while Green keeps the story a bit more rooted in reality. Cinematically, “Party Monster” is dark and edgy, cutting from moment to moment in their story that almost makes the viewer feel like they’re partying alongside the cast. “Party Monster” may not be a queer crime film that everyone will enjoy, but it’s worth giving it a watch.
Watch Party Monster on Amazon, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Peacock TV, Tubi, and YouTube.
So what did you think about these 5 MORE Queer Crime Films that I’ve chosen? Hopefully they are ones you haven’t seen before – and that you want to watch now. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
(Remember that you can Pin your favorite queer crime film to your Pinterest boards for later!)
But remember that are MANY more queer crime films out there. I haven’t been able to add them all to my Queer Film, Short, & Series Database – let alone review many of them.
And if I still haven’t include your favorite queer crime film anywhere on the site, let me know HERE. I will certainly add it to my Database – and perhaps give it a full review.
