Watch The Boys in the Band

The Boys in the Band is a film that explores the intricacies of male relationships and the struggles that come with living in a predominantly homophobic society. It is a 2020 adaptation of the Tony Award-winning play by Mart Crowley that was first staged in 1968, and has been reworked for modern audiences under the direction of Joe Mantello.

The story takes place in New York City in 1968, during a time when being gay was still considered taboo, and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community was rampant. The film follows a group of gay men who gather in a Manhattan apartment for a birthday party, which quickly turns sour when long buried secrets and unresolved issues start to surface.

The movie begins with a group of men getting ready for their friend Harold's (Zachary Quinto) birthday party, which is being hosted by Michael (Jim Parsons) at his luxurious apartment. The guests include Michael's ex-boyfriend Donald (Matt Bomer), flamboyant Emory (Robin De Jesus), neurotic Larry (Andrew Rannells), and closeted Southern boy Alan (Brian Hutchison).

As the evening progresses, tensions rise and the group dynamic starts to disintegrate. Michael, who is struggling with his own identity and self-worth, starts to lash out at his friends, revealing their deepest insecurities and fears. Harold, who is in town visiting from out of town, is unimpressed with the group he thought he knew so well, and instead of enjoying his birthday, becomes a proverbial punching bag for the group.

The film is a candid look at the complex relationships that exist within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the external pressures that come with living in a society that constantly seeks to marginalize and dehumanize them. The characters grapple with issues such as coming out, resisting societal pressures to conform, and maintaining their sense of identity in a world that doesn't always make space for them.

One of the most interesting aspects of The Boys in the Band is its frank portrayal of internalized homophobia. Harold, for instance, seems content to spend his life alone, hiding his true self from society. The movie makes clear that society can only marginalize you if your own internal wounds are still bleeding.

The movie manages to maintain a sense of levity and humor throughout, without avoiding the sobering realities of being gay in the late 60s. The witty dialogues and one-liners make the movie a pleasure to watch, even as the characters grapple with the darker aspects of their existence.

The film is visually stunning, showcasing some of the most beautiful aspects of New York City in the 60s through its production design and cinematography. The attention to detail allows the audience to get transported back in time and feel the sense of urgency and intensity of the era.

The Boys in the Band thrives on the dynamic between its brilliant actors, each of whom brings their own unique interpretations to their roles. Jim Parsons, in particular, is a standout as Michael, perfectly capturing the neurotic and complex character in a way that's both relatable and deeply unsettling. The rest of the cast is equally impressive, with Zachary Quinto delivering a nuanced performance as the enigmatic Harold, and Matt Bomer offering a layered portrayal of someone trying to make his way in a world that doesn't always accept him.

Overall, The Boys in the Band is a must-watch movie for anyone interested in the complexity of male relationships and the struggles of being gay. It's a raw and honest portrayal of a group of individuals trying to navigate their existence in a world that doesn't always make space for them. The film is a triumph of queer cinema, and while it may be set in the past, its themes remain as relevant today as ever.

The Boys in the Band is a 2020 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 70.