Bedrooms and Hallways

Bedrooms and Hallways is an enthralling British comedy-drama that delves into the complex world of sexuality, love, and relationships in the late '90s. Directed by Rose Troche, the film brilliantly harnesses the funny, awkward, and touching moments of its vibrant lead characters who are dealing with their life's confusions and contradictions. The film's central character is Leo, played with great power and sensitivity by Scottish actor Kevin McKidd.

Leo is a thirty-something gay man dealing with the trials and tribulations of single life in London. Despite his best efforts, he finds it challenging to navigate the city's precarious dating scene, often leading to more confusion than clarity. Kevin McKidd, widely known for his role in Grey's Anatomy, brings depth and humor to his complex character, exploring themes of love, loneliness, and sexual identity in a richly human and relatable manner.

However, the complexity doesn't just come from Leo's dating life. Bedrooms and Hallways also focus on the amusing yet truthful dynamics of Leo's friends and acquaintances, each undergoing their turmoil and tangled webs of relationships.

Julie Graham stars as Sally, Leo's straight female confidante who owns her own thriving business. Sally's character is strong, fiercely independent, yet dealing with her ticking biological clock. She's in a relationship with Darren, Leo's roommate, portrayed by Tom Hollander.

Simon Callow gives a spectacular portrayal of Keith, a flamboyant yet relatable man leading the men's self-awareness group that Leo joins. The group works as a safe space for men to express their feelings openly, acting as the source for several moments of hilarious miscommunication and emotional confusion throughout the film.

In this group, Leo meets Brendan, played by James Purefoy. Brendan is a ruggedly handsome Irish man who is ostensibly straight but develops a complicated relationship with Leo, furthering the film's explorations of fluid sexual identities and blurred lines between friendship and love.

Bedrooms and Hallways is beautifully crafted, showcasing how unpredictable and often absurd life can be, particularly in the dating world. At the heart of the film lies the unique way it addresses the fluid nature of sexuality, showing us that love and desire can't always be neatly categorized.

Rose Troche has previously demonstrated her talent for exploring relatable and universal themes through a queer lens in her earlier work, and Bedrooms and Hallways is no exception. With its excellent script by Robert Farrar and Troche's deft handling of the material, the film defies stereotypes and refuses to be boxed into genre conventions. Troche has a knack for making her characters feel like real people rather than clichés, and the excellent performances from the ensemble cast further bring this authenticity alive.

Additionally, the film stands out with its lighting and art direction that gives it an almost ethereal quality, creating a soft warmth that makes the comedic and dramatic moments equally engaging. Troche's choice of a rich, warm palette complements the insightful script and outstanding performances to create a film that is both visually and emotionally appealing.

Bedrooms and Hallways also boasts an extraordinarily well-curated soundtrack featuring an array of songs that perfectly encapsulates the film's mood. The music elevates the narrative, capturing the spirit and energy of '90s London and adding another layer to the experience.

All said, Bedrooms and Hallways is a film that, although set in the late 90s, holds relevance even today with its exploration of complex sexual and emotional relationships. It's a poignant narrative dealing with love, friendship, and the search for self-identity. More than merely a film about being gay or straight, it's a film about being human – with all the messiness, heartbreak, and joy that entails. It's a film not to be missed for anyone who enjoys thoughtful, character-driven stories laced with wit and warmth.