The trailer for Queer, a historical romance drama directed by Luca Guadagnino and starring Daniel Craig, was dropped by the makers on Tuesday, giving a glimpse into how director Guadagnino and screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes have reimagined William S. Burroughs’ 1985 semi-autobiographical novel for the big screen.
Known for directing acclaimed films like Challengers (2024) and Call Me by Your Name (2017), Guadagnino brings his distinctive touch to Burroughs’ tale, which explores love, identity and isolation in post-war Mexico City.
Queer is set in 1940s Mexico City, where American expatriate William Lee (Daniel Craig), lives a solitary life among fellow Americans — students, bar owners, and outcasts — all attempting to find solace far from home. Lee, a version of Burroughs himself, becomes consumed by an intense attraction to Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), a young former Navy serviceman. Initially indifferent to Lee’s advances, Allerton, who struggles with drug addiction, eventually reciprocates in a relationship that is as turbulent as it is profound.
In one of the trailer's most memorable moments, Lee reflects on the complexities of love and acceptance. “A wise old queen taught me that I had a duty to live. You know, to conquer hate with knowledge and sincerity and love. The difficulty is to convince someone else he is really part of you,” he says.
The trailer dives further into Lee’s inner struggle as he seeks to hold onto what he loves in the face of social prejudice.
Queer also stars Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, Henrique Zaga and Omar Apollo. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have scored the film, produced by Frenesy Film Company, The Apartment Pictures, and Fremantle North America. Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, who worked with Guadagnino in Challengers and Call Me By Your Name, is in charge of cinematography while the editing is handled by Marco Costa.
Queer had its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival last month, where it competed for the prestigious Golden Lion and Queer Lion awards. The film will release in theatres on November 27.
