Watch My Night with Reg

My Night with Reg is a 1997 drama film directed by Roger Michell based on Kevin Elyot's successful stage play. The movie is set in London during the 1980s and explores the lives and relationships of a group of gay friends during the height of the AIDS epidemic. The film stars David Bamber, Anthony Calf and Joe Duttine in lead roles.

The story follows a group of friends over the course of several years. Guy (David Bamber) is hosting a small gathering in his flat, where his closest friends join him. The group consists of John (Anthony Calf), Reg (who is never seen in the movie), Bernie (Tommy Wright), Benny (Joseph May), and Eric (Joe Duttine).

The group is mourning the loss of their friend Reg, who has just died from AIDS. They reminisce about the past, talk about their current lives and relationships, and share stories about their experiences with Reg. They all seem to have been intimate with Reg at some point, and his death has affected each of them in different ways.

As the evening progresses, it becomes clear that tensions are simmering beneath the surface. John, who was Reg's partner, is struggling to come to terms with his loss and his guilt over not being faithful to Reg. Guy, who is secretly in love with John, tries to express his feelings, but John is unable to reciprocate. Benny is in a relationship with Eric, but he is secretly in love with John. Eric is struggling with his own insecurities about his relationship with Benny and his own sexuality.

The film's themes of love, loss, and infidelity are explored through the complex relationships of the characters. The characters are all flawed and imperfect, making mistakes and dealing with the consequences of their actions. The script is well-written, witty and poignant, and the acting is superb.

David Bamber delivers a nuanced performance as the sensitive and lovelorn Guy. His character is both sympathetic and pathetic, and Bamber captures his desperation and vulnerability perfectly. Anthony Calf is outstanding as John, as he skillfully portrays the character's conflicting emotions and turmoil. Joe Duttine is a standout amongst the cast, his character Eric provides comic relief, but also gives us a glimpse of a character struggling to come to terms with his sexuality and his place in the world. Tommy Wright as Bernie and Joseph May as Benny provide great support, and together they make this group of friends seem real, believable and engaging.

The screenplay brilliantly portrays the sense of urgency and melancholy of the era in which it is set. It raises important questions about love, loyalty, death, and morality. It is a poignant depiction of the toll the AIDS epidemic took on the gay community.”

The film’s production design and cinematography are excellent, creating a vivid and atmospheric portrayal of London in the 80s.

My Night with Reg replicates the themes and concerns of Kevin Elyot's original play, whilst also granting it the opportunities available for transferring a theatre production into a cinematic landscape. It shows the personal turmoil and struggle of people who were shamed and feared by a society they lived in, revealing their depth of feeling, their humour, and their humanity.

In summary, My Night with Reg is an engrossing and thought-provoking drama about love, loss, and friendship. It is a powerful rendering of the AIDS epidemic and its impact on the lives of those who lived through it. It is a well-acted and beautifully crafted film that is both poignant and funny, and it provides a moving reminder of a period in history that significantly shaped the world.