One of the true gems of this year’s LGBTQ Film Festival is this film from South Africa which explores queer relationships from a multi-generational and socio-economic divide perspective. Terri and Dez are a multi-racial couple parenting 18 year old daughter, Asanda, in an upper-middle class household. Their own relationship is sexually intense, but they are struggling with the implications of Dez’ alleged affair. Asanda is exploring her burgeoning queer identity in a new relationship with Shado, a ‘tommy boy’ from a nearby township.
The dialogue is crisp with Terri getting quite a few of the most adroit lines. While the movie ends on a bit of an anti-climatic note, that somehow felt appropriate for this glimpse into family life. The sudden immersion Asanda experiences into the township and Shado’s world was just as abrupt and startling in contrast to our everyday experiences. This movie left me wanting to know more about this family and the tommy boy identity in South African culture.
For a solid film that consider intersectional issues unlike most current LGBTQ flicks, be sure to check this out.
‘While You Weren’t Looking’ plays Sunday October 11, 4 PM at The Harris.
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