Johns

Synopsis:

It’s the day before Christmas, the day before John’s 21st birthday. He’s a prostitute on Santa Monica Blvd in L.A., and he wants to spend that night and the next day at the posh Park Plaza Hotel. He’s ripped off a local drug dealer to pay the bill, but as he’s sleeping that morning, someone steals his shoes right off his feet, with the money in them. Meanwhile, Donner, a lad new to the streets, wants John to leave the city with him for Camelot, a theme park in Branson, MO, where they’ll work as lifeguards. John spends the day trying to hustle the money for the hotel, avoid Jimmy the Warlock, keep his girl friend placated, and figure out how to deal with Donner’s friendship.

Quick Thoughts:

Years before “Tangerine” broke the industry with it’s unique cinematic style, we had “Johns” This film is a different style of queer film. It’s blunt, it’s crass, and it focuses on an oft disregarded aspect of reality: male prostitution. And it doesn’t shy from it’s harshness! The storyline is unique, both highlighting the rock bottom that John has hit amid an unrequited romance from fellow “entertainer” Donner. Unfortunately, it doesn’t end on a positive note.

However, the highlight of “Johns” is how well everyone brings their characters to life. David Arquette leads the cast in one of his earliest roles and truly captures John’s character as a hustler on the verge of losing everything. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Scott Silver’s writing and direction. This queer film won’t be suitable for everyone however if you’re keen to give it a try, check out “Johns.”