In from the Side (2022) User Reviews

Good cinematography, little substance

[mick118 · 6/10 · 23 November 2022]

Cinematography and acting: good

Music: too much it's distracting, often not even fitting the scene and overly dramatic

Script: that's where the film really lacks. Characters are not only unidimensional but not really likeable either. They are self centered and douchy. Their respective partners are non existant, except for being people they don't care about. Their decisions don't make sense with a number of clichés. We don't understand or feel why they are into each other, the only thing they do is have sex (we get it) and fight, there's no substance and the melo drama is forced... With this cast and cinematography it could have been much better. The one likeable and funny character is Pinky!

Well made and affecting

[mikezexcel · 8/10 · 25 January 2023]

There are some opinions here that a romance story between two goodlooking, young, masculine gay men isn't worth telling. Not sure why. Romantic yearning crosses all demographics, and there will be plenty of viewers who will relate to this film.

The characters and situations were realistic. I felt saddened, especially for Warren, that a relationship that started out with promise can ultimately go unfulfilled. Something tells me he and Mark were made for each other had things gone differently. But most of us know you can't rekindle the past and erase its mistakes.

I need to add more words to the review, so I'll mention that some dialog was hard to understand to my American-English ears.

Be practical

[javonmdaniels · 8/10 · 18 March 2023]

I hope that the people who are leaving the negative reviews, aren't leaving them because the two lead characters didn't stay together in the end? I admit, it is incredibly frustrating when these queer male films reel you in with this amazing love story, having you on the edge of your seat rooting for them to stay together, only to have it all blow up in our face in the end - but that's not a legit reason to say it was a "bad" movie, at least in my opinion. This really was a beautiful love story even though it didn't work out and the fact that it didn't work out but we still got to see what the possibility of it could have been, makes this film important because it's teaching you that lesson of just be honest when a situation like this occurs. They both should have just told their partners from the beginning. They both take the blame tbh but man i was rooting for them! Ugh. The last scene where they say their goodbyes, got me a little teary eyed. It was so heart wrenching I wanted to die Omg :(. But still a good film but it definitely made me feel something.

Overlong but effective

[preppy-3 · 7/10 · 25 March 2023]

British gay romance drama. Two members of a gay rugby team--Mark (Alexander Lincoln) and Warren (Alexander King)--become attracted to each other and begin to fall in love. The problem is they both already have partners. However they have trouble fighting their attraction to each other.

At 134 minutes it's way too long and there's nothing new or ground-breaking here but it still worked for me. The acting is excellent by the two leads and there's LOTS of gay kissing scenes. The one sex scene we see is erotic but not explicit. Also (for once) this is a gay love story that does not have a tragic ending. It's bittersweet and a little sad (I admit I was crying) but hopeful. I applaud any gay film that doesn't end tragically. So no great shakes but I liked it.

Liked it

[thezenable · 7/10 · 27 December 2022]

What to say about this movie..hmm Just the thought of having gay only rugby team sounds amazing to me and it's nice that we have a movie like that.

Mark and Warren have a secret relationship even thou both have boyfriends. This movie is a nice story about adventure, and secret desire. About this one step that people make to feel exited and then they are playing on the edge not wanting to go all the way. I think Warren was stupid and I don't understand why he didn't stood up for Mat at New Year party. What I don't understand is why Warren's boyfriend never left him because he cheated. This was just left for our imagination to think that they had a little fight or not? Overall it's a nice movie.

Cinematography is a show stealer

[idreamofidee · 8/10 · 29 March 2023]

I have never watched a game of rugby in my life, but In from the Side kind of makes me want to take up a Sunday league...!

I am a sucker for a well done film that deals in betrayal/deceit/salacious affairs, so I found this an easy and enjoyable watch. However, it is the cinematography that really makes this a standout, which is why my score is so high. London is artistically captured, the city feels familiar yet also quite whimsical. The rugby matches are also very well shot, with one match in particular quite breathtakingly done.

I would perhaps give the film in terms of plot 7, but the cinematography a 9.

A film about rugby, with a gay affair thrown in

[chong_an · 7/10 · 17 September 2023]

In a south London gay rugby club, the team has managed to reach respectability, and the owner persuaded to form a developmental "B" team. Mark, a star on the B team, meets Warren from the A team, who is on injury rehab. Warren seduces Mark, and they have a continuing affair, despite the fact that both have boyfriends, and a continuing relationship is breaking the rules of open relationship.

While Mark's rich boyfriend is often away on business, Warren's boyfriend is also a member of the A team. Also, a member of the B team is interested in at least "friending" Mark. But as the affair continues, Mark and Warren get ever more bold.

My chief complaint about this film is that there is too much rugby. Too many scenes of training, post-game pub events, and dance halls / parties. I suppose it is a rugby film first, and the relationship is somewhat secondary.

A superb drama about gay men and rugby

[vincedeehan · 8/10 · 31 March 2022]

I was very lucky to be at the second public screening of IN FROM THE SIDE at the BFI Flare Film Festival at BFI Southbank in London on Saturday. March 26th 2022. The world premiere was the night before.

I was blown away by this film. At first it seems like the film is about two gay men who have an affair, but there is so much more going on in this highly engaging film.

The film grabs your attention from the start and holds it throughout what is actually rather a long film, but it didn't feel a single moment was wasted. I found I was totally engaged with the story and thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

The rugby scenes are so well filmed that you actually feel you are on the pitch, right in the thick of the action. You can feel every thump and the mud!

Having spent about a year as a beginner to rugby, training with an inclusive rugby team in London, the Kings Cross Steelers, I can vouch that all the scenes centred around the workings of the club and the scenes in the clubhouse after the matches, rang absolutely true.

The script is superb and there are some really funny lines in the film that are very well delivered by the very talented actors. The film also took me by surprise and got me choked up with emotion at many points, in the second half of the film. I almost burst into tears at a couple of scenes towards the end. I won't say which ones, you'll have to experience it for yourself!

The film also has many great moments of humour. The packed house at the screening were roaring with laughter at many points, which is a joy to experience at the cinema. Something you really miss out on, when watching a film at home.

The film was shown on a really big screen and this made the whole experience very immersive.

The film ends with a really funny scene which I won't spoil, but leaves the audience with a big smile on their face.

I was absolutely bowled over when the end credits started and there was some superb animation, which I really wasn't expecting. As the credits rolled, I could see that the film's director Matt Carter not only co-wrote the script, but was also the cinematographer and composed the music and sang the superb end theme song! He also did the animation sequence too and the special effects and probably lots of other jobs. What a hugely talented man. I predict a great future for him!

The audience response was rapturous, and I am not exaggerating. There was a whole lot of love for the film coming from the audience.

The whole cast and crew did a superb job. I've never seen a film like this before, where being a gay man was so well explored and from such a unique perspective.

I think this film will appeal to a very wide audience and may also show people that gay men come in all shapes and sizes and can't be easily fitted into standard stereotypes. We are just as diverse as everyone else and just trying to live life as best we can.

It's a really fun film. Please look out for it and enjoy!

Best wishes to everyone involved in the film.

Find your true happiness... in gay brotherhood?

[onefineday36 · 6/10 · 25 November 2022]

Two hot hunks are having an affair... Production value is good, acting is also adequate... What could go wrong?

My problem with this feature is it is so much riddled with the sense of guilt about the whole affair and infidelity. Really? Gay guys in their 30's from London, living the age of Grindr and Prep... Would they be really so stuck up about meeting other guy than their own partner? Everybody live by their own value, but all the guys in this film seem to share the same weight of guilt. Meanwhile, out in reality, there are all sorts and forms of relationships going on. Because gays don't need to conform to the model of hetero marriage, it's really up to each individuals and couples what kind of relationship they want to have. And yet, this film is so much stuck up with one moralistic point of view - 'an affair is exciting, but it can't end well'.

So where do you find your happiness? From the gay brotherhood, of course! From the 'brothers' who were so quick to judge and expose your affair... But everything's fine because they've just won the terribly cliche and dramatic last game.

I wish gay relationship dramas can come up to date and inspire something new.

Off from the Out

[ozjosh · 4/10 · 22 November 2022]

A romance among gay rugby players seemed like a promising concept, but In From the Side fumbles the play at every turn. As star-crossed lovers go, Mark and Warren make for a rather lacklustre couple. Both are cheating on their long-term partners, and their reluctance to leave their established relationships and choose each other remains frustratingly vague. As affairs go, theirs is frustratingly unremarkable. There's really nothing to lift it above the mundane or add some real dramatic tension. As Mark, Alexander Lincoln is a moderately appealing leading man - sexy and suitably vulnerable and conflicted. Alexander King as Warren is less appealing. He's neither charming nor charismatic enough to compensate for Warren being, to put it mildly, a complete ass. We never really get why Mark is so besotted with him, and by the time Warren fails to stand up for Mark when their affair is exposed at a New Year's Eve Party there's really no redeeming him. When Warren subsequently shows up at a rugby match with his boyfriend - and makes a very public display of affection - it's a mystery why Mark still bothers with him. At which point there's no redeeming Mark either. In short, In From The Side suffers from a weak narrative, a fatal lack of character development, and a more-than-slightly shaky moral compass. And at around two hours and forty minutes, it's a full hour longer than any basic romance has a right to be.

LENGTHY BUT WORTH IT

[xmrypjmfd · 9/10 · 29 March 2023]

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Yes, it might have been a bit too long but the story line was excellent and I was not turned off by the ending. Mark and Richard were in a relationship. Mark was obviously a company man with no interest in rugby. Mark and Richard lived in Richard's high rise apartment but it was difficult to see what brought them together as they had little in common and their relationship seemed devoid of passion. Warren and John had a common interest in rugby but that seemed about it. Their relationship was public knowledge and anything that would make it difficult to explain why they ended the relationship could be a public relations nightmare.

To say that Mark and Warren's affair was hot and heavy would be an understatement. They obviously were attracted to each other with the sexual aspects of their affair possibly making up for what was missing in their relationships. Their Christmas trip to Geneva was interesting. Richard wasn't interested in skiing and John's family wasn't that interested in Warren. It seemed like Mark's parents were quite well off and supportive of their gay son and his "friend" Warren.

The ending was bittersweet but not tragic in my mind. There was no doubt in my mind that Mark would recover and his friendship with Henry that was almost destroyed by his affair with Warren might be rekindled.

I am planning to watch this again but need to find a time to watch it in its entirety which could be difficult given its length. Excellent acting by all.

Nice Try

[brentsbulletinboard · 6/10 · 24 September 2022]

In-depth narrative features about lesser-known segments of the LGBTQ+ community don't exactly come along every day, so it's indeed heartening when one about life in one of them - specifically the gay male rugby kinship - makes an appearance in the movie market (even if primarily only at film festivals). What's less satisfying, however, is when such a release doesn't quite live up to its potential, as is the case with writer-director Matt Carter's second offering. In following the clandestine love affair of two London ruggers who attempt to conceal their secret romance from their partners and teammates, the film explores its share of ethical matters, as well as the hard choices involved in making decisions about when it's time to hold on to or to let go of existing relationships (especially when they appear to have run their course). However, in telling this story, the film drones on far too long and seriously needs to dial back some of its melodramatic soap opera tropes. It also could stand to lose some of its heavy-handed judgmentalism about open gay male relationships, arrangements that are fairly common (and, in many cases, reasonably healthy) in the LGBTQ+ community. To its credit, though, this production features an array of fine performances (particularly among its cast of colorful supporting characters), as well as excellent cinematography of the rough-and-tumble rugby matches. Sensitive viewers, though, should beware of some sexually explicit content in deciding whether to screen this offering. But then, given the picture's unfortunate shortcomings, viewers in general might want to consider that decision carefully as well. In my view, I'd wait until it becomes available for streaming - and an occasion when you've got time to spare.

A very mixed bag

[mmillington554 · 3/10 · 5 April 2023]

For a film well over two hours long would you expect it to cover a great deal of ground. The trouble is, the film doesn't use its time wisely. It is slow and ponderous, with many scenes, especially on the rugby field, pointless and adding little or nothing to the narrative.

But the film's main weakness for me, is that it fails to explain why the relationship between the two main leads develops as it does. I get the lustful eye contact across the room and the subsequent hot sex, but then it becomes increasingly mystifying as they both act like love struck but unsure eighteen years olds, instead of mature grown up men. The development of their relationship is supposed to be determined by their existing relationships with respective partners. But those relationships are not even properly described, so it becomes very difficult to understand many of their actions in any meaningful context.

The rugby club members, mainly one dimensional characterisations, appear to be a rather prudish bunch for a group of gay men. The film seems to have an obsession with "cheating" on monogamous relationships (even though one of them claims to be in an open relationship). It feels more like a Victorian moral tale than a genuine portrayal of gay men, especially as everyone ends up unhappily and riddled with guilt.

It reminded me of the film Brief Encounter in its portrayal of a doomed affair by two partnered people, riddled with guilt about having a good time with each, whilst putting up with unsatisfactory partnerships just because that was the "right thing to do". In From the Side has the same moral code as Brief Encounters. It is as if nothing has changed in the last eighty years. In From the Side is not a liberated or liberating film. It is a throwback to another time when people were expected to conform to the status quo, whether it was right for them or not.

Too long

[Alexanders-2 · 7/10 · 20 December 2022]

Gay films usually have only 2 themes. Most often they are coming-of-age stories, otherwise everything revolves around twisted passions that end either tragically or well. In from the Side is not exactly assessable, because despite the rather light tone, this is neither a comedy nor a tragedy. The matter-of-factness with which gayness is shown here, especially the environment of a tough man's sport, namely rugby, is very pleasant and I admit that Ryan Reynolds lookalike as Warren makes it very easy to get interested in the story. The main character, however, is Mark, who is in an unhappy relationship that guarantees him some wealth but a lot of emotional emptiness that also rubs off on his best friend. That's where Warren comes in, whose open relationship seems to be going better, but who falls in love with Mark. Both experience their ups and downs during their game of hide and seek, and in the end Mark has to make the decision of what he wants to do. A lot of eye candy, not very strong characterisation of all the characters, a loose narrative tone but without much depth make this film a watchable but overall too long pleasure that could have been better with a better focus on the characters.

Not bored for an instant

[laduqesa · 7/10 · 27 December 2022]

I was absolutely horrified to see people here comparing this film with the horrendously boring and irrelevant "Weekend" and claiming that this film based on a rugby club and two of its members suffered in comparison. Where "Weekend" was an actionless dirge about nothing, "In from the side" explored much more and did it in the context of a group of gay guys taking on the hettie world on their own terms and winning.

During the film the clandestine affair between two of the players explored themes of infidelity and stagnation. Both men were in stagnant relationships, Mark with a rich guy whose fabulous flat he was staying in for free and Warren with another rugger bugger who'd helped him out in his life so he felt obliged to him.

Which horny young guys wouldn't have had an explosive affair with each other after realising their attraction to each other in these circumstances? I've been guilty of lustful straying off the straight and narrow so I can fully understand the physical pull these two guys had.

The film explored sensibly that, in the end, this is what the two lovers had - a huge physical attraction to each other and no more. Mark realised this first and Warren was forced to accept it.

The cinematography of the film was excellent, especially in the match scenes which looked real. Characterisation of the minor players was less finely drawn but good enough for support.

I saw a version that was 120 minutes long. Others stated that what they saw was nearly three hours. I have to agree that three hours would have been far too extended but the 120 minutes was just right. I was dying for a cuppa but refused to get up out of my seat while the film was playing.

For me, this is a definite recommend.

What a debut.

[W011y4m5 · 8/10 · 10 April 2023]

LGBT+ romances are literally never simple. Ever. I wish they were (because then my review could be a lot shorter) but alas - they seldom are.

Therefore, "In From The Side" does an extraordinarily great job of conveying the unintentional complexity of our constantly flourishing relationships, conscientiously telling a tragically doomed love story between two insufferably privileged, "straight acting" white gays (who in theory, we as audiences should not be able to relate to - the blatant embodiments of "masc4masc; no fats, no femmes" - reeking of toxic masculinity, entitlement, wealth & 1st world problems with their superficially conventional attractiveness) but what's particularly striking about this film is it's actually mindful enough to acknowledge the obvious flaws of these characters & maturely portrays them as they are, warts & all - without shying away from the ugliness festering within - daring to question what's formed them in to the people they've eventually become, analysing if there's a plausible way to remedy the concerning situation / the traits they've unknowingly inherited. Ergo, although Matt Carter focuses primarily on one small ensemble of rugby players, the wider commentaries he makes (about the way in which we live our lives) could be interpreted more widely, about the general human condition.

Hence, rather than asking us (the viewers) to excuse the plethora of imperfections we're presented with, the authenticity of this story is rooted deeply in the fact that it mindfully depicts two men who essentially fall head over heels for each other, in spite of those brazen obstacles in their way (insurmountable in nature) & the flaws they see immediately staring back at them... Which makes it that much more believable - due to the messiness of everything - (as love rarely - if ever - adheres to objective logic, tending to culminate in destruction) & the brokenness we see in them, as well as ourselves.

Yes, that's cynical of me to admit - yet that tangible aforementioned aura of cynicism is also precisely what this narrative has evidently grown from; a reflection of pain & distrust, learned over shared negative experiences - from writer/s who've manifestly tried to see the light, shining against such unrelenting darkness they've personally encountered in the past.

Plus, I don't think I've seen a film (recently) so accurately capture the crushing loneliness of being homosexual, even when surrounded by others of the same sexual orientation; the harmful homophobia (& self hatred) that's indoctrinated in to us as minors is so intrinsic & oppressive (polluting our minds like poison), even through adulthood, the sense of detachment created from that lingering trauma persists & stymies our ability to form healthy relationships & theoretically (as a consequence), the systematic discrimination within society has impacts on us, individually - thematically reinforcing the point it's trying to make; strengthening the need for a supportive community (formed from those who understand & can offer a home to people who need refuge) - more valuable than any contribution one man is capable of making, single handedly.

Yes, it's grim (I'd even go so far as to describe the movie as truly "despondent" - mournfully portraying our desperate yearning for a meaningful connection whilst showing how we usually lack the ability to create one that lasts - a futile, fruitless endeavour pursued with unquenchable hopefulness) & extremely morally ambiguous - however, the conflict naturally develops from those moments of arguable murkiness, using the uncertainty to have quite frank & open conversations (gorgeously crafted, might I add) - so although emotional investment may have been lacking (admittedly, nothing detracts from the ensemble's vacuousness), the profundity of its messaging is still not lost amidst the chaos & resultantly, I commend them for truthfully imbuing a feeling of heartfelt sentimentality, skilfully balanced against the brutality of honest realism in representation.

Furthermore, considering the project was brought to the big screen on an exceedingly low budget (written, scored, directed, costumes designed, casted, co-produced, shot - as cinematographer - & edited etc. By the same guy to save money, heavily recreating music from other productions such as "TRON: Legacy" - for example - to mimic the effect of a soundtrack without having to finance an original one), the artistic ambition of this alone is enough to appreciate, acknowledging the limiting restrictions he must've been forced to work with at the time of its inception.

Quite enjoyable

[robdrummond · 7/10 · 2 July 2023]

At last a "man to man" film that didn't feature a cast of screaming Queens running all over the place in tight colourful clothing flapping their arms about. As the stereotype films would have you believe the "Gay" population behaves.

In fact this case revealed that man on man love can be quite like man/woman love. Nothing different or nothing setting them apart from anyone else. No underlying "look at me I a gay" (as if anyone cares)

This film is basically a love triangle (but more complicated) and the storyline really can be applied to same sex or straight couples - which is one of the reasons I liked it.

Yes adult life can be "complicated" from time to time - but this was a real story that can be applied to couples of any kind - as opposed to being overtly about "gay" behaviour. It was about a complicated love quadrangle/no matter what the sex of the couples.

At last!

Excellent Movie

[hipps-91464 · 10/10 · 14 August 2022]

An emotionally gut wrenching beautiful story, beautifully told . Highly recommend this movie. Can't say enough good things about this movie, Acting, directing, script or all spot on. It doesn't hurt that the leads are beautiful men beautifully played but the acting takes the movie to a whole new level. Both leads have every emotional scenes that they pull off in extraordinary fashion. Just enough humor and sports male bonding to keep the movie balanced and enjoyable form beginning to end. You may need a tissue or two to get through to the end but you will be glad you did.

Pretty good. Could have been better.

[ksmichael · 6/10 · 3 June 2023]

The two leads in a (mostly?) gay rugby organization topple into an affair outside of each of their current relationships without disclosing this to their partners. It starts out as lust and becomes love, but love for each other, their partners, teammates, and the sport are all on the line.

Don't look for hard answers in this lengthy film that could have been trimmed just a little here and there. The leads and background actors are engaging and interesting. The scenes of the actual games were less interesting to me than the relationship.

It's a breath of fresh air to see gay guys in a love story, flawed as we are. This movie is a decent portrayal and neither sugar-coats nor vilifies gay men. The scenes with the parents are amazing.

I wanted the movie to be better. It's definitely worth seeing. I wanted a little more, including a more satisfying ending.

aka In from Behind

[MrDeWinter · 5/10 · 18 December 2022]

What a mess. Although it is nice to see gay men portrayed as being non-camp for a change, portraying them as ultra straight-acting is also not realistic. The main issue of this movie is not only the length of the movie (30 min too long) but the script. The dialogue is no different from any day time soap and the drama has a telenovela feel to it. The characters are far too old to engage in this type of teenage drama. A lot of repetitive scenes could have been cut out easily. Apart from one character all characters including the main ones are not very likeable. You don't really care about any of them which show a lack of character development. A lot has not been explained and you're left with wondering what the message was. Also, the music is over the top reminding of something you would hear in a war or historical battle movie. For a movie that rides on sexual attraction and the resulting drama, the sex scenes look staged, awkward and sanitised. Sometimes a tighter editing can help but the shortcomings of this movie are too many, unfortunately.

Utterly beautiful

[hannahcooper-21387 · 10/10 · 31 October 2022]

Such a wonderfully lovely movie. Irrespective of your sexuality, I think many can relate to the story that is told here.

The film made Elephant and Castle and London look gorgeous.

The two main characters have such chemistry. Especially a particular scene between Warren and Mark, I think many of us have had such tender yet heart wrenching moments.

I'm also OB-sessed with the album - especially the song By Your Side! Such an anthem!

A big rainbow flag wave for the LGBTQ+ community. Inclusivity and acceptance is illustrated in this film in abundance.

A massive well done to Matt Carter and co. Loved it.

Definitely one of the more superior gay-themed movies out there.

[paulclaassen · 7/10 · 10 May 2023]

I've said this before and I'll say it again: I don't generally enjoy watching gay movies - for no other reason apart from the fact I find them clichéd and predictable. The majority of gay-themed movies are either too slapstick, or too tragic for my liking. Furthermore, I know nothing about rugby and it doesn't interest me in the least.

So why then did I decide to watch 'In from the side'? Well, that poster! There's just something so alluring about two macho, bearded hunks dressed in rugby attire holding each other whilst looking deeply into one another's eyes. I'm sorry, but that sold it to me! I wanted to see these guys in each others arms in a sensual manner. And in that regard, the film didn't disappoint.

Mark (Alexander Lincoln) and Warren (Alexander King) both play for a gay rugby club. After a night in a club, they sleep together, and I thought 'wow, they look good together'. But then we learn both are actually involved. Mark is in an 'open' relationship with Richard on the condition he doesn't sleep with the same guy twice, and Warren is in an 'unhappy' relationship with John. But the mere fact these two were involved diminished every bit of romance (for me), because I knew someone was bound to get hurt in the process.

At first I also didn't believe there to be chemistry between Mark and Warren, as they were disagreeing on almost everything most of the times - apart from the times they were having sex off course. But as the film developed they grew on me (figuratively, off course; pity!), and I really enjoyed them being together. There were a few truly beautiful and magical moments between them, especially when they went to visit Mark's parents. I absolutely adored his parents!

The performances are excellent, and I enjoyed every single character. The photography was also stunning. In general, this is a very good gay-themed movie with a compelling story and well-developed characters, highlighted off course by the two main actors, who were absolutely brilliant in their respective roles. Yes, it might not turn out the way you want it to, but this is far more realistic. 'In from the side' definitely is one of the better movies out there in the genre.

A film in desperate need for a decent script

[darrenhrose · 4/10 · 9 April 2023]

I was warned this wasn't great but I wasn't expecting it to be as bad as it was. The script is so appaling I am perplexed how it ever got commissioned. All of the characters are woefully underwritten or developed with little though given to their actions or decisions. Finally the finished product desperately needs half hour removing from its laborious running time. The lead does a good enough job portraying his situation but everyone is so unlikeable it's very difficult to care about anything or anyone. Four starts for the lead, the photography and wanting to portray lgbt relationships within a sports team.

A Valuable Lesson

[NickBOKC · 7/10 · 10 January 2024]

Lesson: The grass isn't greener on the other side. Never get romantically involved with someone who is already involved. It never ends well. Warren has an incredible looking man-cave, but the weakness he showed at the New Year's Eve party was a total turn off. That was all the proof Mark needed. Mark was better off on his own. And John is the type of guy that will hang onto Warren no matter what. We all know that type of guy. For them, it's not about love, it's about possession.

Henry is hot. Despite his drinking problem, I could see him and Mark together. I can't feel sorry for Richard. He opened the door to this by allowing an open relationship. And he was always traveling and didn't support Mark's rugby passion. Those two were an odd couple. I just wish the ending would've been Mark showing up at Henry's door with a rose. Anyway, the story kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. That is a miracle in the world of gay cinema. It's worth your time.

not good, not bad

[WlfrmG · 6/10 · 8 January 2023]

Gay rugby players, good acting, very handsome guys... that should do it all, at least for a gay audience. However, the story is just too long. It is filmed and performed as if we are watching a great Greek tragedy, as if somebody is dying. However, tt is just about two handsome guys in relationships having an affair. This might be sad for some partners involved, but it is really not a big drama as presented in the movie. The story itself is okaish, but another director would make it to a comedy with some thoughtful moments. There are several longer scenes showing the guys playing rugby. Again. They are oakish, but Leni Riefenstahl, did that 85 years ago much better..