Watch Bedrooms and Hallways

Bedrooms and Hallways is a witty and charming romantic comedy-drama from 1998, directed by Rose Troche and written by Robert Farr. The film revolves around the lives of a group of mostly gay or bisexual friends who are exploring their relationships and identity in modern-day London. The film opens with Leo (Kevin McKidd), a thirty-something man who is feeling unsatisfied with his life. He is working at a dead-end job, and feeling unfulfilled in his romantic relationships. After a chance encounter with a man named Brendan (James Purefoy), who invites him to join a men's therapy group, Leo decides to take a chance and attend a meeting. There, he meets a diverse group of characters, including Keith (Con O'Neill), a flamboyant drama queen, and a couple named Sally (Julie Graham) and Darren (Tom Hollander), who are struggling to keep their relationship alive.

As Leo becomes more involved with the therapy group, he begins to develop feelings for Brendan, which complicates things as Brendan is already in a committed relationship with a woman named Petra (Jennifer Ehle). Meanwhile, Keith and Leo's flatmate, Adam (Hugo Weaving), are having a secret affair, which further adds to the tension between the group of friends.

Throughout the film, the characters grapple with issues of sexuality, commitment, and identity. The therapy group sessions are a place where they can explore these issues in a safe and supportive environment, and the relationships they form with one another help them to grow and develop as individuals.

One of the standout performances in the film is Kevin McKidd as Leo. He portrays the character with vulnerability and sensitivity, making it easy for the audience to connect with him and empathize with his struggles. Similarly, Julie Graham and Tom Hollander are excellent as Sally and Darren, capturing the nuances and complexities of their relationship. Simon Callow is also a delight as Donald, the flamboyant leader of the therapy group, providing some of the film's funniest moments.

At its core, Bedrooms and Hallways is a film about self-discovery and finding love in unexpected places. The characters are all searching for something, whether it be a meaningful relationship or a deeper sense of self-awareness. The therapy group setting provides a unique backdrop for exploring these themes, as the characters are all forced to confront their innermost thoughts and desires.

The film also tackles issues of homophobia and societal expectations around masculinity. Brendan's struggle to come out as gay to his family and friends is a central plot point, and the film effectively captures the fear and anxiety that come with that process. Similarly, Keith's flamboyance and femininity are often met with hostility and ridicule from those around him, highlighting the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in society.

Overall, Bedrooms and Hallways is a charming and heartfelt film that provides an honest and sensitive portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and relationships. The humor and wit of the film make it an entertaining watch, while the moments of vulnerability and introspection provide a deeper emotional resonance. The film is a reminder that love and connection can be found in unexpected places, and that self-discovery is a lifelong journey.

Bedrooms and Hallways is a 1998 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.