It is one of the earliest documentaries to highlight the joy of queer life as well as the inherent diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. This iconic documentary showcasing the roots of ballroom culture is a classic for a reason. Though the ending is bittersweet, the journey is so much fun, with a candidness about the emotional component essential to sex work. The fun and intimacy of her interactions with clientele are thoughtfully contrasted with the coldness, sexless nature of her marriage. She begins working as a high-end escort, hosting her clients in a renovated loft she’s supposed to be selling. When Abby’s son accidentally hits her in the head with a baseball, the resulting concussion leads her to reassess her life. “Concussion” presents an image of upper middle class lesbian life that feels casual and real.
This one is a little sad, but its perspective is fascinating. If you’ve been avoiding it because you see it as a standard Oscar-winning weepie, reconsider. Though the film is somber, it’s ending has such profound beauty and hope. It’s three stars (Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, Trevante Rhodes) are equally talented at portraying a Southern Black gay man from childhood to adulthood. There’s a lot of hype around Barry Jenkins’ sophomore feature, but it’s all warranted.
