By Linc Jenkin
Having never seen, read or consumed, in any way, Jane Austen Pride and Prejudicethe basis of the new blockbuster movie fire island, I was able to see the film with a blank eye. While I’m sure Austen aficionados would say nothing comes close to the original iterations on page or screen, fire island brings all the feelings.
If you’re part of the majority population that doesn’t fit the narrow, but socially accepted, view of the gay body (in this vapid universe that means, white and muscular), you can probably relate to the insecurities experienced by the main cast. The first five minutes tell you that you better get used to facing your insecurities while watching this movie!
The gay romantic comedy we all need!
fire island is an upcoming American romantic comedy film written by and starring Joel Kim Booster, as Noah, and supported in the script by her ex-boyfriend, best friend Howie, played by Australian-born, Canadian-raised Bowen Yang. now based in the United States. Backed by a veritable gaggle of gays of all shapes, sizes and colors, leading the secondary characters is the ever-exciting mother bear, Margaret Cho, as Erin.
FIRE ISLAND was so much fun. A little crazy, a little dirty, with a big heart and tiny Speedos. And please, no more Conrad Ricamora in everything. pic.twitter.com/qJ4bkYdgI9
— Boyd van Hoeij (@filmboyd) June 14, 2022
Fire Island – It doesn’t look very welcoming
Fire Island itself, the legendary gay mecca most Australians have never heard of or seen mentioned in pop culture over the past few decades, has a certain serial killer energy to it I don’t know. what about that.
Not to brag, but… #FireIslandMovie NOW STREAMING on @Hulu. pic.twitter.com/C5iYYrmSZX
— Fire Island (@FireIslandMovie) June 12, 2022
Maybe because the handsome gay locals, as portrayed in this movie at least, are hatefully racist and shameful assholes and those dramatic high school vibes make you feel relieved to be an agoraphobic antisocial who’d rather keep their coveted status without covid as long as humanly possible!
It’s a thankfully quick trip to the island, with the film running just over 90 minutes, plus the credits. Even though there are confrontational scenes that include racism and classism, it’s good to sit in the discomfort and experience because it not only helps you sit in your own insecurities, but also to offer insight into what other people’s experiences are like. It’s also pretty shocking that this movie is streaming on Disney+ because, spoiler alert, or maybe it’s just an incentive to watch – there’s an actual gay sex scene! And not a gay kiss on the cheek, but a fully-fledged portrayal of an act of penetration between two men. It was quite surprising considering that the gay rom-com was on this particular platform, by the very nature of the story, but this particular scene would have been enough to make Walt Disney grab his pearls!
Globally, fire island is a well-written and poignant social commentary, offering a view from the other side, that makes you think and feel deeply. Definitely check fire islandcurrently available to stream on Disney+, for the beautiful eye candy, great chemistry between the cast, and strong performances from the two lead actors.
★★★★