Kuntergrau

Kuntergrau is a bold and groundbreaking web series from Germany that premiered on Dekkoo in 2016. The show is an authentic, relatable, and engaging representation of the contemporary gay experience.

The title, Kuntergrau, is a play on the German expression "kunterbunt," meaning colorful, and "grau," meaning gray - representing the variegated existence of the modern gay community - vibrant and striking, but also containing nuances of complexity and struggle. The show doesn't shy away from presenting an honest image of the community and explores issues beyond romance, into realms of self-discovery, acceptance, discrimination, and societal conditionings.

The show's narrative unfolds in Cologne, Germany's most welcoming city to LGBTQ+ people. It follows the story of five friends, Leopold, Jan, Marcel, Oma, and Noah, as they navigate through life in their early to mid-20s. Unique and layered, each character provides a different perspective, making the series rich with diversity and depth in its storytelling.

Leopold, the youngest among the group, is a free-spirited teenager just starting to come to terms with his sexuality. His journey, from confusion and reluctance to acceptance, forms a crucial bit of the storyline. Then there's sensitive Jan, who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder. His character raises awareness about mental health and explores how it intersects with his queer identity.

Closest to Leopold is Marcel, his best friend and confidante, who is also wrestling with the societal expectation of masculinity. On the other hand, Noah, who is in his mid-20s and has just ended a long-term relationship, provides a glimpse into the gay dating scene characterised by hook-up apps and casual encounters.

Bringing warmth and wisdom to the group is Oma, a vigorous drag queen in his 60s, who sheds light on the history and struggles of the older generation. The diverse range of age, backgrounds, and personalities of the characters emphasizes a broad spectrum of experiences within the gay community.

All five episodes of the first season are interconnected yet construct a standalone narrative, portraying one character's story. Each episode reveals the trials, tribulations, and joys of their lives, handling various themes like coming-out, self-acceptance, monogamy, relationships, dating, age gap, etc.

One of the most commendable elements of Kuntergrau is its authenticity. It was self-financed and produced by gay men under the age of 30, ensuring that the narrative remains authentic and grounded. The team collectively scripted, directed, and even starred in the series, which added a more realistic flavor to the show. It believably brings to screen the conflicts, concerns, and choices faced by young gay men in today's society.

Apart from the central themes around sexual orientation, the series also skillfully deals with relationships, friendships, mental health, and the ceaseless pursuit of happiness. The dialogue is crisp and modern, effectively portraying the language and references used by the current generation.

Visually, the series stands out with its young, fresh aesthetics, optimistic and modernistic, reflecting the vibrant life of the city it is set in. It also uses music effectively to create ambiance, adding another layer to the viewers' experience.

Kuntergrau, in its essence, is an empowering narrative that breaks away from the stereotype of tragedy associated with being gay. But the show does not romanticize the experience either. It strikes a fascinating balance, making you empathetic towards the characters while also admiring their resilience.

At its heart, Kuntergrau is a series about youth, self-acceptance, and love, aimed to both educate and entertain. It's an important piece of representation, done right, that yields a positive portrayal of the gay community. All in all, despite the many challenges the characters face, the show concludes that being gay is neither a tragedy nor a problem to be solved. The series outlines the idea that life may be complex, even ‘grey,’ but it is indeed beautiful – and that's exactly what makes Kuntergrau a must-watch.