Watch Circuit

Circuit, released in 2001, is a drama film directed by Dirk Shafer. It stars Jonathan Wade-Drahos as John, a young gay man who moves to Los Angeles in search of a new life. Upon arriving, John is immediately drawn to the club scene and becomes involved with a group of partygoers, including the HIV-positive drag queen Hector (Andre Khabbazi) and the older businessman Cliff (Brian Lane Green).

The film explores the dark side of the gay club scene, depicting drug addiction, casual sex, and the spread of HIV/AIDS. As John becomes increasingly enmeshed in this dangerous world, he begins to realize that he must change his ways before it's too late.

One of the film's most notable aspects is its unflinching portrayal of drug use. Scenes of characters snorting cocaine, smoking crystal meth, and injecting heroin are not glorified, but presented as a bleak reality of life in the gay club scene. The film also shows the relationship between drug use and HIV/AIDS, with several characters becoming infected as a result of their drug use and risky sexual behavior.

Despite its heavy subject matter, Circuit is not a dreary or depressing film. The cinematography captures the beauty and energy of the club scene, while the characters are likable and relatable. John, in particular, is a sympathetic protagonist who struggles to reconcile his desire for fun and excitement with the need to take care of himself.

The film's strongest aspect is arguably its performances. Jonathan Wade-Drahos delivers a nuanced portrayal of John, displaying both his vulnerability and his resilience as he navigates his new world. Andre Khabbazi is equally impressive as Hector, portraying the character's complicated mix of sadness, humor, and strength. Brian Lane Green adds depth to the character of Cliff, showing the loneliness and desperation underneath his slick exterior.

In addition to its portrayal of the dangers of drug use and unchecked sexuality, Circuit also touches on themes of friendship, loyalty, and identity. John's relationships with Hector and Cliff are complicated, with each character having their own motivations and secrets. The film also presents a candid look at the isolation and loneliness that can come with being gay and the importance of finding supportive community.

Circuit received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its honesty and authenticity while others criticized it for its bleakness and lack of nuance. However, in hindsight, the film seems ahead of its time, anticipating many of the issues that would become more prominent in the gay community in the years to come.

Overall, Circuit is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of gay life in Los Angeles. Its unflinching portrayal of drug use and HIV/AIDS is balanced by strong performances and a genuine emotional depth. For viewers interested in a realistic and honest portrayal of the gay club scene, Circuit is a must-see film.

Circuit is a 2001 romance movie with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 36.