Holding the Man

Synopsis:

Tim and John fell in love while teenagers at their all-boys high school. John was captain of the rugby team, Tim an aspiring actor playing a minor part in Romeo and Juliet. Their romance endured for 15 years in the face of everything life threw at it – the separations, the discrimination, the temptations, the jealousies and the losses – until the only problem that love can’t solve tried to destroy them.

Quick Thoughts:

Films that are based on true stories often tug at our emotional heartstrings, and “Holding The Man” is no exception. However, that’s because despite being a beautiful romance, Tim & John’s 15-year love affair ends in tragedy: both boys are diagnosed with AIDS. Set during the 70’s & 80’s in Australia, this queer biography film captures one of queer history’s most tragic times. Full of uncertainty, stigma, and an almost certain death sentence at the time, AIDS simply devastated the queer community. Amid all of this, “Holding The Man” brings to life on screen how being diagnosed AIDS affected both boys and their life together. This film adaptation of Timothy Conigrave’s memoir unfortunately ends with a sad ending as both boys succumb to the disease. “Holding The Man” is a heartfelt queer biography film that everyone should watch.