An erotic drama based on William S. Burroughs’ 1985 semi-autobiographical novella, this film features a script by Justin Kuritzkes, a frequent collaborator of Luca Guadagnino, who continues to shape contemporary cinema with his storytelling. The film has received widespread critical acclaim, earning recognition from the National Board of Review, which named it one of the Top Ten Films of 2024 and awarded Daniel Craig Best Actor. It has also secured multiple nominations from prestigious institutions such as the Critics’ Choice Awards and the Golden Globes, accumulating a total of four wins.
The story follows William Lee (Daniel Craig), a queer American outcast navigating the streets of 1950s Mexico City. His life revolves around sexual escapades, endless bar-hopping, and substance abuse. During one of his nocturnal flaneur-style wanderings through dimly lit streets, he catches sight of Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), a young American expatriate, and becomes instantly and obsessively infatuated with him. Lee persistently inserts himself into Eugene’s life, uncertain of his sexual orientation yet unable to resist the pull of his fascination. Their eventual relationship is fraught with ambiguity, as Eugene maintains a noticeable distance, prompting questions about his sexual identity and deepening Lee’s own insecurities and desperate need for validation.
Lee eventually invites Eugene on a journey to South America in search of a mythical plant called yagé, rumored to open your mind to telepathic abilities. Their adventure is surreal, mystical, and intensely erotic, unfolding in an artistic and unconventional manner that challenges the audience’s perception of reality. As the story progresses, layers of their characters are revealed: Eugene’s mysterious demeanor, his conflicting feelings for Lee, and Lee’s battle with addiction. Their journey becomes one of self-discovery, tinged with an esoteric atmosphere that leaves the viewer questioning the meaning behind each moment.
It is fitting that the film follows an unconventional narrative structure, as it firmly aligns with the ethos of the Beat Generation. This literary and social movement of the mid-20th century was defined by its rejection of societal norms, experimental storytelling, and an embrace of sexual liberation and psychedelic exploration. Burroughs, alongside figures like Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac, was at the heart of this movement, using literature to challenge capitalism, censorship, and fixed structures that people were expected to fit in, whether cultural, political, or sexual. The film pays homage to these ideals, both in its themes and its visual execution.
The most defining aspect of the film is by far its cinematography, which employs an almost dreamlike artificiality. Blurred settings, intricate miniatures, and otherworldly imagery contribute to an aesthetic that straddles reality and imagination, mirroring Lee’s own mental state. The film’s sparse dialogue is punctuated by sharp, witty humor that prompts introspection,engaging the viewing experience. The approach to sexual identity is deliberately ambiguous, oscillating between openness and uncertainty, leading to a spiritual, sexual, and personal deconstruction of self. The narrative remains largely stagnant until the South American journey, reinforcing the film’s commitment to non-conventional storytelling.
The relationship between Lee and Allerton is the film’s beating heart ( literally), centred around Lee’s desperate need for intimacy and his torment over not knowing what Allerton truly feels. Allerton is a charming yet enigmatic presence throughout, leaving both Lee and the audience perpetually questioning his motives. Unlike Guadagnino’s previous films, such as Call Me by Your Name or Challengers, this story does not rely on emotional grandeur but instead thrives on an enigmatic, almost detached sensuality. The camera often captures moments that feel voyeuristic, abruptly shifting angles to maintain an air of mystery. Unlike the emotional baggage and romance of Call Me by Your Name, this film delves into the raw and carnal, making physical desire the focal point.
Daniel Craig delivers a phenomenal performance that redefines his career, moving far beyond his Bond years into a truly artistic realm. His portrayal of William Lee is magnetic, embodying an intoxicating mix of neediness, obsession, and self-destruction. There is an almost schoolgirl-like desperation to his longing, a stark contrast to his usual on-screen personas. Drew Starkey, in his attempt to break away from his mainstream, commercial roles, also delivers a commendable performance. While Craig undeniably outshines him, Starkey proves himself capable of deeper, more nuanced acting.
Drew Starkey’s presence as a ‘male fatale’ exudes believability and mystery, his every movement tinged with uncertainty about his desires, intentions, and identity. This uncertainty fuels Lee’s obsession with telepathy as he seeks an impossible connection with Allerton. His character lives under the influence of love, drugs, and his own obsessive thoughts, making for a compellingly flawed protagonist in a film that challenges conventions both thematically and stylistically.
Watching this movie, you are most likely to immerse yourself in this game of interplay between reality and esoteric imagination, emulating a psychedelic experience that will leave you confused, emotional, and yearning for more. This is a challenging, erotic psychological drama unlike any other: enigmatic and utterly captivating.
Written by Chis Iulia-Maria — 11/4/2025