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Editorial Reviews
This sensual, remarkably observed, beautifully acted wonder is the breakout feature from British writer-director-editor Andrew Haigh (Greek Pete). Rarely has a film been as honest about sexuality—in both depiction and discussion—as this tale of a one-night-stand that develops into a weekend-long idyll for two very different young men (exciting newcomers Tom Cullen and Chris New) in Midlands England. It’s an emotionally naked film that’s both an invaluable snapshot of the complexities of contemporary gay living and a universally identifiable portrait of a love affair.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
65 of 68 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Weekend To Remember: Criterion Picks Up An Intimate British Indie About Love, Sex, And Connectivity
May 25, 2012
Format:Blu-ray
I always appreciate when a big label like Criterion courts smaller noteworthy offerings that might not ordinarily receive a big distribution. Taking on Andrew Haigh's "Weekend" is certainly one of their more interesting offerings. Some might consider it a niche choice with its homosexual themes and same sex coupling, but "Weekend" has a lot to say about how people (of any gender or orientation) connect or don't connect in the modern world. It is a small film, to be sure, that is graced with both a minimalism and a naturalism that might remind you of Mike Leigh's most organic projects. The narrative takes place over the course of one weekend largely within the confines of an apartment. It is a piece that is bolstered by a thoughtful screenplay and two great performances. If you're looking for a big story, this micro-budgeted indie is NOT the picture for you. But if you enjoy realistic dialogue about the human condition, about life, about love and relationships--there is plenty to be admired here.
Basically, "Weekend" is structured as a brief encounter, a fleeting moment. A relationship in microcosm is played out over a couple of days. The film is completely understated and its quiet effectiveness might sneak up on you. It's a typical enough story, I suppose. Russell (Tom Cullen) heads out to a club looking for some action and as the evening comes to a close, he ends up going home with Glen (Chris New). Neither is under the illusion that this is anything other than a hook-up. In fact, it doesn't appear that the two men share much common ground. What follows is an encounter fueled by drinking, drugs, and sex. But unexpectedly, they also let down their guards and really start to connect. In many ways, "Weekend" is about that moment where two people fall in love. It's not a big or dramatic moment, but a subtle shift of how you view someone else--how you seem to fit. While the film does touch on some issues specific to the homosexual community, its underlying themes are much more universal than you might imagine.
The film played very well on the festival circuit, even picking up two British Independent Film Awards, one for Best Achievement In Production and one for Most Promising Newcomer Tom Cullen. Cullen is quite exceptional. His Russell is more aloof, more introspective, but as he starts to share more of himself--the openness and vulnerability are etched across his face. Chris New is believable and outspoken, cynical and frank, but with a need to connect maybe he doesn't even fully understand. If the thought of two men having sex or sharing intimacy bothers you, this might not be your first choice. But both actors really make this work, giving of themselves both physically and emotionally. In the end, it's bittersweet, real, natural, and unassuming. What it achieves, it does so quietly, unexpectedly and with surprising subtlety. Perhaps this tiny little movie is not for everyone, but for those that appreciate realistic adult drama--this is a weekend trip worth taking. About 4 1/2 stars. KGHarris, 5/12.
The Director approved Hi-Def Criterion Disc extras:
Interviews with the director, producer, and principle cast.
Interview with Haigh on the film's sex scenes
On-set video footage shot by New and others
Cullen and New audition footage
Video essay on the film's set photographers
Two short films by Haigh: Cahuenga Blvd from 2003 and Five Miles Out from 2009
Trailer
Criterion booklet essay from film critic Daniel Lim
Basically, "Weekend" is structured as a brief encounter, a fleeting moment. A relationship in microcosm is played out over a couple of days. The film is completely understated and its quiet effectiveness might sneak up on you. It's a typical enough story, I suppose. Russell (Tom Cullen) heads out to a club looking for some action and as the evening comes to a close, he ends up going home with Glen (Chris New). Neither is under the illusion that this is anything other than a hook-up. In fact, it doesn't appear that the two men share much common ground. What follows is an encounter fueled by drinking, drugs, and sex. But unexpectedly, they also let down their guards and really start to connect. In many ways, "Weekend" is about that moment where two people fall in love. It's not a big or dramatic moment, but a subtle shift of how you view someone else--how you seem to fit. While the film does touch on some issues specific to the homosexual community, its underlying themes are much more universal than you might imagine.
The film played very well on the festival circuit, even picking up two British Independent Film Awards, one for Best Achievement In Production and one for Most Promising Newcomer Tom Cullen. Cullen is quite exceptional. His Russell is more aloof, more introspective, but as he starts to share more of himself--the openness and vulnerability are etched across his face. Chris New is believable and outspoken, cynical and frank, but with a need to connect maybe he doesn't even fully understand. If the thought of two men having sex or sharing intimacy bothers you, this might not be your first choice. But both actors really make this work, giving of themselves both physically and emotionally. In the end, it's bittersweet, real, natural, and unassuming. What it achieves, it does so quietly, unexpectedly and with surprising subtlety. Perhaps this tiny little movie is not for everyone, but for those that appreciate realistic adult drama--this is a weekend trip worth taking. About 4 1/2 stars. KGHarris, 5/12.
The Director approved Hi-Def Criterion Disc extras:
Interviews with the director, producer, and principle cast.
Interview with Haigh on the film's sex scenes
On-set video footage shot by New and others
Cullen and New audition footage
Video essay on the film's set photographers
Two short films by Haigh: Cahuenga Blvd from 2003 and Five Miles Out from 2009
Trailer
Criterion booklet essay from film critic Daniel Lim
27 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By Jen
Format:Blu-ray
This beautiful, understated film captures reality in a way few films ever do. As far as I am concerned, it is one of the best "love stories" ever portrayed on film: the actors are superb and the chemistry between them is true and believable. It takes an artist to produce such a simple, yet effective film. If you haven't viewed it yet, I recommend you do so today, you will not regret it.
29 of 33 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best "gay movie" I've ever seen....and pretty high on the list of movies without that classification.
July 28, 2012
By D. Hinson
Format:Blu-ray
My partner and I saw this movie in NYC at the IFC Theatre a few months ago, and it really moved us. We're not young, not into drug culture, and weren't seeing it hoping for a glimpse of some eye candy. We had read a review in The New York Times, checked it on Rotten Tomatoes and seen what a high rating both critics AND audiences alike had given it, and that was the draw for us. What a raw and beautiful film...!!
The two lead characters in the movie have very little in common, at least in my estimation, except for the fact that they're both gay, young, attractive, and affected by the slings and arrows of surviving in a predominantly straight world. They're very opposite, and therein lies the attraction. Yes, they use recreational drugs like a lot of gay youth. I think the movie does a good job of exploring the demons that cause them to have the kind of low self-worth that drives many gay people to abuse substances. Yet, there is a beauty in the love that develops very quickly between them--despite their self-destructive tendencies. Much bubbles to the surface in their drug fueled time together that might otherwise lie dormant if substances weren't being used, and the crashing down of walls that is the result.
Seldom have I seen a film of such gritty honesty. It is uncomfortable seeing the story unfold. But somehow it manages to crawl under the skin with the precision of a microscope of acuity, revealing so much about what drives us gay humans to the extremes that a marginalized existence sometimes does. I thought it said more about how societal pressures, whether real or imagined, get in the way of gay people being able to just live and love. A must see!
The two lead characters in the movie have very little in common, at least in my estimation, except for the fact that they're both gay, young, attractive, and affected by the slings and arrows of surviving in a predominantly straight world. They're very opposite, and therein lies the attraction. Yes, they use recreational drugs like a lot of gay youth. I think the movie does a good job of exploring the demons that cause them to have the kind of low self-worth that drives many gay people to abuse substances. Yet, there is a beauty in the love that develops very quickly between them--despite their self-destructive tendencies. Much bubbles to the surface in their drug fueled time together that might otherwise lie dormant if substances weren't being used, and the crashing down of walls that is the result.
Seldom have I seen a film of such gritty honesty. It is uncomfortable seeing the story unfold. But somehow it manages to crawl under the skin with the precision of a microscope of acuity, revealing so much about what drives us gay humans to the extremes that a marginalized existence sometimes does. I thought it said more about how societal pressures, whether real or imagined, get in the way of gay people being able to just live and love. A must see!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great movie!
The dialogue was a bit hard to hear at times due to the accents, but the story was really good!
Published 4 days ago by Steve Abbott
4.0 out of 5 stars
An intense and intimate weekend
I started watching "Weekend" not expecting much but I decided to watch it because of the great reviews. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Daniel Gamboa
5.0 out of 5 stars
i love it
brilliant storytelling and so convincing. like the videography as well. and also very good casting for the main characters. well done.
Published 1 month ago by andrew
4.0 out of 5 stars
A closer look at what happens after the casual one night stand.
This movie is well thought out and is represents well on screen. I do think there's too much infusis placed on the the drugs and alcohol. Read more
Published 1 month ago by KB in OC
5.0 out of 5 stars
weekend
sort of hard to understand the english, very heat accents, had to turn on the close caption mode to fully understand the language, but all ad all a very good movie
Published 1 month ago by K. Decarlo
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best gay indie films ever
Once you've seen this movie, it's hard to get it out of your head. It really takes several viewings before you comprehend all the complexities of these characters. Read more
Published 1 month ago by E. Ashton
5.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT MOVIE!
From beginning to end I was caught in this delightful movie, done with so much honesty and great acting. Read more
Published 2 months ago by FERNANDO J SOLARTE
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cullen
This was a very happy accident I ordered by mistake from Netflix and was very impressed with
the acting Pleased
the acting Pleased
Published 2 months ago by Jerry D. Mills
4.0 out of 5 stars
Weekend from Criterion Collection
Bittersweet, but still a love story worth watching, offering a different perspective on the development of love between two men. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Dana Skolfield
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful Movie
The film is so rich that it is hard not to be swept away by it. There is a quiet depiction of real life that will resonate with anyone. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Brian the Writer
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