Sex, Party and Lies takes place in Spain and follows a group of college students who navigate their way through various sexual encounters and drug experiences. The story revolves around self-acceptance, friendship, and coming-of-age, as the characters explore their own desires and identities.
In 1980s Italy, romance blossoms between a seventeen-year-old student and the older man hired as his father's research assistant. In the summer of 1983, somewhere in northern Italy, seventeen-year-old Elio Perlman (Timothee Chalamet) is living with his parents (Michael Stuhlbarg and Amira Casar). His father, a professor of archaeology, has a graduate student come every summer to help with his research, and this year's student, Oliver (Armie Hammer) arrives to stay with the Perlmans. Elio gives up his room so Oliver can stay in there. With not much else to do, the two begin spending time together, with Elio showing Oliver around. The cerebral Elio finds gregarious Oliver to be arrogant - he doesn't like him very much. When everyone is out sunbathing and playing volleyball, Oliver lightly massages Elio's shoulder, and he recoils at the touch. But as Oliver continues prodding the moody Elio to hang out, they develop a back and forth banter. Elio writes to himself that he was too harsh to Oliver at first, he thought Oliver didn't like him. One night in town, Elio and his friend Marzia (Esther Garrel) see Oliver dancing and kissing a local girl, Chiara. The DJ plays 'Love My Way,' and Elio joins the dancing - afterward, he and Marzia go swimming in the night. The next day, he tells Oliver he almost had sex with her. Elio becomes increasingly interested in Oliver, tagging along on an excavation to spend time with him. Elio's mother reads a story about a knight who is unable to tell a princess he loves her. 'Is it better to speak or to die?' asks the prince. On a trip into town, Elio, without saying it explicitly, lets Oliver know he has feelings for him. Oliver tells him to pretend he never said that. On the way home, Elio takes Oliver to a creek that he calls his place. After playing in the water, they lay out in the sun and share a kiss. Elio wants to keep going, but Oliver tells him they haven't done anything wrong yet and should leave it there. Elio begins wearing a Jewish star necklace just like Oliver's, but Oliver is seemingly nowhere to be found over the next few days, seemingly avoiding Elio. Elio begins spending more time with Marzia. She tells Elio she's worried he's going to hurt her. He assuages her, and the two finally have sex. Elio writes and throws out note after note to Oliver - he finally settles on 'can't stand the silence, need to speak to you,' and leaves it under Oliver's door. He gets a note back that says, 'grow up. I'll see you at midnight.' Elio has sex with Marzia again, and then that evening goes to see Oliver. The two finally sleep together. Oliver tells Elio, 'Call me by your name, and I'll call you by mine.' Elio calls Oliver Elio. Oliver calls Elio Oliver. The next day, Oliver goes into town, and Elio follows him. Oliver is happy they slept together, but doesn't want Elio to regret anything. He worries he might mess him up. Elio just wants to be with Oliver, he says. Later, Elio is eating a peach and uses it to masturbate with. He finishes in the peach and leaves it on the dresser. When Oliver finds him later, he realizes what happened and goes to playfully eat the peach when Elio bursts into tears. He doesn't want Oliver to go. They continue spending time together, getting closer and more and more intimate. Marzia comes by to look for Elio, wondering why he's disappeared on her. He can't provide any explanation, leaving her devastated. Oliver's last stop before leaving the country is three days working in Bergamo. Elio's parents think it might be nice for Elio to go with him, so Oliver says goodbye to the Perlmans and the two of them take a bus to Bergamo. Alone together, the two see the sights, go out in the evening, and get drunk. Oliver hears 'Love My Way' playing from a car and runs towards it, dancing to the song. Finally, Oliver has to leave, and the two have a long hug goodbye. Elio watches Oliver get on the train and leave, and calls his mother to come pick him up from the station. He cries during the car ride home. Back in town, he encounters Marzia. She tells him she isn't mad at him, and the two agree to always be friends. Mr. Perlman notices how sad Elio is, and tells him that what he had with Oliver was a truly special friendship - more than a friendship. He tells Elio not to cut himself off from his feelings to not feel grief because then you lose the ability to feel the kind of joy he felt with Oliver. He tells him he came close, but never had the kind of connection that they had. The following winter, snow is everywhere. Chanukah candles are lit and latkes (traditional potato pancakes) are being prepared for the holiday dinner. Elio answers the ringing phone: it's Oliver calling. They tell each other they miss each other, then Oliver shares his news: he's engaged. The Perlmans jump on the line to say hello but then leave Elio and Oliver to speak. Elio tells Oliver they know about them, Oliver guessed as much. He says they always treated him like one of the family, as a son-in-law. They call each other by their names one more time, and Oliver tells Elio he remembers everything. Elio goes and sits in front of the fireplace, eyes welling up with tears as dinner is about to be served.
Ennis and Jack are two shepherds who develop a sexual and emotional relationship. Their relationship becomes complicated when both of them get married to their respective girlfriends. They continue to meet up over the years, facing societal discrimination and personal struggles. Tragedy strikes when Jack dies, leaving Ennis heartbroken and alone. Ennis keeps their secret love alive, cherishing the memories and the shirts they shared. In the end, Ennis finds a glimmer of hope when his daughter announces her engagement.
Set against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis in 1980s New York City, Angels in America tells the intertwining stories of several individuals as they navigate love, loss, and self-discovery in the face of a devastating epidemic. The miniseries explores themes of homosexuality, religion, and political conservatism, while shedding light on the personal struggles and triumphs of its characters.
Two men in heterosexual marriages whose unexpected experiences challenge their perceptions of sexuality, gender and identity.
Moonlight (2016) is a film that tells the story of a young African-American man named Chiron who grapples with his identity and sexuality while navigating the challenges of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The film is divided into three parts, exploring different stages of Chiron's life. In Part I, Chiron, also known as Little, forms a bond with a drug dealer named Juan and his girlfriend Teresa, who provide him with guidance and support in a turbulent home environment. In Part II, Chiron is a teenager dealing with bullying at school and a complex relationship with his mother. He also develops a close friendship with his classmate Kevin that evolves into a brief romantic encounter. Part III follows Chiron as a grown man living in Atlanta, where he works as a drug dealer and reconnects with Kevin after years apart. Throughout the film, Moonlight explores themes of identity, sexuality, masculinity, and the effects of trauma and societal pressures on personal development.
It's a Sin follows the lives of a group of friends living in London during the 1980s as they navigate the challenges of relationships, identity, and the devastating AIDS epidemic. With a mix of comedy and drama, the series explores themes of love, friendship, homophobia, and loss.
Beach Rats follows the story of a young man in Brooklyn who is navigating his own journey of self-discovery and sexual awakening. Set against the backdrop of the boardwalk and beaches of Coney Island, he grapples with his identity, relationships, and the expectations of masculinity. As he explores his sexuality and searches for connection through online hookups and encounters with older men, he must confront his own fears and desires. Beach Rats is a coming-of-age drama that explores themes of sexual exploration, personal growth, and the complexities of identity.
Water Drops on Burning Rocks is a provocative and complex drama that explores themes of love, sexuality, and betrayal. Set in the 1970s, the movie follows the story of an older man who becomes involved with a younger man, only to discover a web of secrets and hidden desires. With elements of comedy and romance, the film delves into the complexities of relationships and the struggles faced by individuals in discovering their own sexual identity.
In 'Life Like,' a young couple hires a lifelike android as household help, leading to unexpected consequences as their relationships and the android's true nature are revealed. This thought-provoking film explores themes of humanity, sexuality, and the boundaries between man and machine.
When Patrick enters Marion and Tom's home, long-buried secrets from 40 years ago resurface, leading to a journey of exploration and self-discovery.
Queer as Folk follows the lives of three gay friends living in Manchester, England. The series explores their romantic and sexual relationships, as well as the challenges and triumphs they face as members of the LGBTQ community. Set in the 1990s and 2000s, the show tackles themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery.
Maurice is a heartwarming drama and romance film based on a novel. It explores the themes of forbidden love, homophobia, and coming of age. Set in Cambridge University in early 20th century England, the movie follows Maurice, a young man struggling with his own sexuality and navigating the pressures of society. As he falls in love with another man, he must face the homophobia and repressive attitudes of the time. With compelling performances and beautiful cinematography, Maurice is a poignant exploration of love, identity, and societal constraints.
Angels of Sex is a movie that explores themes of bisexuality, polyamory, and infidelity. Set in Barcelona, Spain, the story follows a student who finds himself caught in a love triangle between his girlfriend and another man. As he navigates his first gay sexual experience and explores his newfound desires, jealousy and complicated emotions arise. The movie delves into the complexities of sexual attraction and the challenges faced by individuals in unconventional relationships.
Free Fall is a drama/romance movie that follows the story of a police officer who begins to question his own sexuality after forming a strong connection with a fellow officer during training. As he struggles with his feelings and the societal pressures surrounding him, he must make difficult decisions that will ultimately define his true identity.
Special is a comedy TV show that follows Ryan, a gay man with cerebral palsy, as he navigates his life in Los Angeles. The show explores themes of friendship, romance, and self-discovery, all with a comedic twist. Ryan faces unique challenges due to his disability, but he never lets it define him. With the support of his loving mother and his best friend Kim, Ryan learns to embrace his true self and find his place in the world.
Shelter (2007) follows the story of Zach, a talented young artist and aspiring surfer, who navigates the challenges of growing up gay in a small beach town. While navigating his complicated family relationships and grappling with his own identity, Zach falls in love with his best friend's older brother, Shaun. As their secret relationship blossoms, Zach must confront homophobia, societal expectations, and the fear of coming out, ultimately finding the strength to embrace who he truly is.
Mulligans is a drama and romance movie that tells the story of a college student spending a summer vacation at his best friend's lakeside house. He finds himself falling in love with his friend's father and navigating the complexities of their relationship, all while dealing with his own sexual identity and the disapproval of those around him.
Moffie is a movie based on the memoir of the same name, depicting the story of a gay teenager who is drafted into the South African military during the era of apartheid. Set in the 1980s, the film explores themes of forbidden love, homophobia, and the challenges faced by a gay soldier in a homophobic society. It follows his journey of self-discovery, sexual awakening, and the struggles he faces in an environment of strict military training and societal prejudice.
When a deeply repressed man encounters an uninhibited young man who gives him a happy ending, their exploration of sexuality leads to chaos and ruins the lives of others.