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Weekend is a British romantic drama film released in 2011 directed by Andrew Haigh. The movie follows the story of two men who meet at a party and develop a romantic relationship during the course of a weekend. The film begins with Russell (Tom Cullen), a gay man living in Nottingham, England. He is introverted and reserved, working as a lifeguard in a public swimming pool. A Friday evening, he goes to a party where he meets Glen (Chris New), an outgoing and more confident artist who lives in London. Glen tells Russell that he is leaving the city because his visa is about to expire and that he is going to San Francisco to pursue his career. Glen invites Russell to his apartment to continue the party, and they spend the night together.

Over the course of the weekend, Russell and Glen get to know each other better. They walk around the city, visit art galleries, take drugs and have sex. They discuss their lives, their fears, prejudices, and their relationships with their families. Russell is a shy guy, a little afraid of intimacy, and he doubts his ability to start a real relationship. Glen has a more liberal perspective on relationships, believing in sexual freedom and a more fluid concept of love.

As the weekend unfolds, their relationship deepens, and they begin to realize the implications of living in a homophobic society. Glen feels trapped in a society that does not accept him for who he is, while Russell is still exploring his sexuality and coming to terms with what it means to be gay. They eventually have to confront the fact that they have to face the realities of being two gay men in a world that is not always accepting.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is that it is shot in a documentary style. There are no fancy camera tricks or high production values, it's just two men, walking around the city, having conversations, sharing their experiences, and expressing their emotions. This lean, almost raw style reinforces the authenticity of the characters and their interactions. There's no fluff, no melodrama or manipulative techniques to try and evoke an emotional response from the audience.

The performances of the lead actors are outstanding. Tom Cullen and Chris New have an excellent chemistry on screen, and they bring a real sense of authenticity to their characters. Cullen's portrayal of Russell is honest, subdued, and empathetic, making it easy for the audience to empathize with his character. Chris New is equally impressive, giving Glen a sense of bravado and a vulnerability that makes him both charming and tragic. The two actors have a naturalistic approach to their roles, never overly dramatic or forced, but always authentic and relatable.

The film is also notable for its exploration of different facets of the LGBTQ community. Glen and Russell belong to two different worlds within the community, representing different perspectives and experiences. Russell is a more reserved guy, who has never engaged in more unsavory aspects of the gay lifestyle, while Glen is more sexually liberated, and his attitude towards love and relationships is more radical. The dialogue between the two characters creates a fascinating tension that speaks to the diversity that exists within the community.

Ultimately, Weekend is a compelling and beautifully crafted movie that tells a heart-rending story of a love that blooms and fades during a brief moment in time. It's a film about the desire for connection, the fear of rejection, and the struggle to find meaning and understanding in a world that can be unforgiving. The movie is a testament to the power of cinema to tell stories that are deeply personal and resonate with all those who view them. Whether you identify as a part of the LGBTQ community or not, Weekend is a film that will leave you moved, inspired, and above all, enriched.

Weekend is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 81.