10 Queer and Campy Films We're Looking Forward to in 2023
Thom Green, and
Elias Anton in "Of an Age." (Source:IMDb)
The new year is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than to think about all of the great movies coming out this year that we are looking forward to in 2023! From personal stories and horror movie delights to franchise nostalgia, 2023 is shaping up to be a year full of melodramatic surprises. Queer representation seems to be everywhere lately, which means more stories are coming to streaming platforms and theaters fit for LGBTQ+ audiences. Here is a list of the LGBTQ+ and campy films that we are looking forward to in 2023.
"M3GAN"
Already making waves at the box office after a successful launch in theaters, a doll named M3GAN might be the queer icon we've all been searching for. With a roll of the eyes and smirks that give off queen energy, "M3GAN" has danced its way into the hearts of gay men everywhere. For those that haven't brought 10 of their best friends to witness her maniacal ways set to the tune of Sia's "Titanium," run to the theaters now! This campy flick is built for a queer audience with humor, horror, and artificial intelligence as a robotic doll brings hostility to a satirical tone.
"M3GAN" is currently in theaters now.
"Teen Wolf: The Movie"
Queer stars Tyler Posey and Colton Haynes return for a film adaptation of the popular television series "Teen Wolf," which lasted six seasons on MTV. "Teen Wolf: The Movie" will culminate the stories of a supernatural thriller that began when werewolf Scott McCall and his friends were teenagers. Originally based on the 1985 flick starring a young Michael J. Fox, the series adaptation tended to partake in homoeroticism for a new generation of viewers. Written and directed by prominent gay figures Jeff Davis and Russel Mulcahy, respectively, "Teen Wolf: The Movie" will include some returning cast members like Tyler Hoechlin, Crystal Reed, JR Bourne, Shelley Hennig, and Holland Roden.
"Teen Wolf: The Movie" will be streaming on Paramount+ on January 26, 2023.
"Knock at the Cabin"
The modern master of suspense, M. Night Shyamalan, is never one to shy away from an exciting concept in his films. His latest directorial effort comes in the form of a gay couple's vacation getting interrupted by a cult entitled "Knock at the Cabin." Jonathan Groff and Ben Aldridge star as Andrew and Eric, parents who choose to vacation in a remote cabin with their daughter. The family's trip is upended when they are taken hostage by man ( played by Dave Bautista) and his band of doomsayers, who believe the apocalypse is upon them. To avoid the inevitable, the family must make a sacrifice in what will undoubtedly be a twist ending like many of Shyamalan's other works.
"Knock at the Cabin" will be released in theaters on February 3, 2023.
"Of an Age"
Focus Features has introduced the world to many worthwhile experiences. In 2023, foreign films will have their say when "Of an Age" is released to a wider audience in the United States. Focus Features will distribute the Australian movie depicting a 24-hour passionate love affair between a Serbian ballroom dancer and his dance partner's brother. Earning the Best Film Award at CinefestOZ last year, queer director Goran Stolevski's romantic drama takes center stage with Elian Anton, Thom Green, and Hattie Hook leading its cast.
"Of an Age" will have a theatrical release in the United States on February 17, 2023.
"The Blue Caftan"
Continuing the trend of foreign films making their American debuts, "The Blue Caftan" is Morocco's submission to the International Feature Film category at the 2023 Academy Awards. Having premiered last year at film festivals around the world, the movie is directed by Maryam Touzani and written by her husband, Nabil Ayouch. Concerning the daily struggles of a wife and her closeted tailor husband in one of Morocco's bustling medinas, a new apprentice seems to invigorate their marriage in unexplored and compelling ways. But there always seems to be personal trouble for the spouses, and Morocco's political climate might not be suited for an affair of the heart.
"The Blue Caftan" will see its U.S. debut in theaters on March 15, 2023.
"Barbie"
When the gods invented the term "campy," they probably never expected director "Lady Bird" Greta Gerwig to make a movie about the infamous Mattel doll Barbie, but here we are! Surely to be a crowd pleaser in 2023, "Barbie" will star Margot Robbie as the titular figure with Ryan Gosling as her Ken. The first live-action film of the Mattel franchise, the teaser trailer for "Barbie" already guarantees that the film will be chock full of colors and outlandish performances from its impressive ensemble cast. Expect to witness greatness with varying sets, Barbie's dream house, eccentric dance numbers, and everything glitterfied. "Barbie" costars queer actors like "Saturday Night Live" alum Kate McKinnon, trans model Hari Nef, Scott Evans, and Alexandra Shipp. The movie will be notable for featuring an ensemble cast, including America Ferrera, Marvel's Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Issa Rae, Will Ferrell, and Michael Cera.
"Barbie" will be released in theaters on July 21, 2023.
"Down Low"
Premiering at South by Southwest this year, "Down Low" is written by Phoebe Fisher (television's "I Know What You Did Last Summer) and "White Lotus" star Lukas Gage. Starring Gage as an uninhibited younger man who gives a sexually repressed stranger (Zachary Quinto) a happy ending, "Down Low" depicts the raunchy nature of one outrageous night. Directed by Rightor Doyle, this movie will test boundaries and ruin lives along the way, with Judith Light, Simon Rex, and Audra McDonald lighting up the screen.
"Down Low" will have its world premiere at SXSW and will be released to a wider audience sometime in March 2023.
"Maestro"
The highly anticipated sophomore directorial attempt by actor Bradley Cooper, "Maestro," will tell the story of legendary composer Leonard Bernstein. Cooper will star as Bernstein in this biographical film in a co-production with iconic figures Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese on board. The movie will explore Bernstein's chaotic marriage to Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan) and demonstrate his private life as a queer man behind closed doors. With a formidable supporting cast incorporating Jeremy Strong, Maya Hawke, Sarah Silverman, and Matt Bomer in the mix, "Maestro" might be one that will be discussed during awards season later in the year.
"Maestro" will stream on Netflix sometime in 2023.
"Rustin"
The March on Washington in 1963 gave way to the civil rights movement, and "Rustin" will chronicle the life of activist Bayard Rustin who organized it all. Directed by George C. Wolfe and co-written by "Milk" scribe Dustin Lance Black, the movie explores Rustin's life, leadership, and the work he did alongside American history's powerful hero, Martin Luther King Jr. As an advisor to Dr. King, Rustin's sexuality was at odds with the civil rights movement, so much of his work was done behind the scenes. "Rustin" is produced by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground Productions and will star queer actor Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin. Chris Rock, Audra McDonald, Glynn Turman, Bill Irwin, and Aml Ameen will feature prominently in the ensemble.
"Rustin" will stream on Netflix sometime in 2023.
"Good Grief"
"Schitt's Creek" actor and creator Dan Levy has set his sights on his next project, "Good Grief," which stars Levy, Ruth Negga, Himesh Patel, and gay actor Luke Evans. Levy is the producer, writer, and director of this romantic dramedy about death and what it takes to overcome every obstacle thrown into the grieving process. Marc's husband suddenly dies while Marc is mourning the loss of his mother, sending him into a downward spiral of depression and hopelessness. As if "Spoiler Alert" didn't make us cry enough last year, Levy introduces audiences to Marc's friends who accompany him on a weekend getaway to Paris, where they attempt to figure out how to pick up the pieces of Marc's broken life.
"Good Grief" will stream on Netflix sometime in 2023.