Watch Tom of Finland

Tom of Finland is a biographical drama film from 2017 that delves into the life of Touko Laaksonen, a Finnish artist who gained international fame for his homoerotic drawings under the pseudonym Tom of Finland. Directed by Dome Karukoski and starring Pekka Strang as Touko, Seumas F. Sargent as Sailor, and Chris Myland as Jack, the film explores Touko's struggles as a gay man living in post-war Helsinki and his journey towards becoming a renowned figure in the LGBT community.

The movie opens as Touko returns to Helsinki after serving in World War II, deeply traumatized by his experiences in battle and struggling with his identity as a gay man in a society that considers homosexuality a crime. He attempts to keep his desires hidden from the world, but finds solace in the underground gay scene where he meets Sailor, a leather-clad biker who becomes his muse and inspiration for his art. With Sailor by his side, Touko begins to draw the muscular and hyper-sexualized figures that would make him famous, both for their explicit content and their celebration of gay love and desire.

As Touko gains fame in the art world, he also becomes a key player in the fight for LGBT rights, working with organizations such as the Homophile Association of Finland to decriminalize homosexuality and promote acceptance of gay culture. His drawings become a symbol of a new kind of masculinity, one that celebrates strength and sexuality rather than suppressing it. However, his success also attracts attention from conservative groups who seek to suppress his art and his message.

Through it all, Touko remains true to his vision and his sexuality, depicting unabashedly sexual and loving depictions of gay men at a time when they were considered deviant and perverse. Strang gives an intensely emotional and nuanced performance as Touko, conveying both his vulnerability and his fierce determination to be true to himself. Sargent and Myland also give strong performances as the men who inspire him, bringing depth and humanity to their roles as Touko's muses and lovers.

The film's cinematography is as bold and striking as its subject matter, with a vibrant color palette that reflects both the darkness and the beauty of Touko's world. The music also plays a key role in setting the tone, with a mix of classical and modern tracks that blend seamlessly with the visuals.

Overall, Tom of Finland is a powerful and moving exploration of one man's journey to find his voice and his place in the world. It celebrates Touko's legacy as an artist, activist, and icon, leaving viewers inspired by his courage and passion.

Tom of Finland is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 56.