Exploring queer romance in ‘Lie with Me’
Why do so many gay love stories have sad endings? The new French film “Lie with Me,” based on Philippe Besson’s novel, follows this familiar theme.
Although recent films have ventured away from tragedy, like “Love, Simon,” the portrayal of queer love between men often denies us a happy ending. “Brokeback Mountain” tugged at our heartstrings, and the closing shot of a tearful Elio in “Call Me By Your Name” is iconic.
It’s not surprising that many gay love stories are tinged with melancholy. In fact, there’s even a book on the subject, “The Queer Art of Failure.” In a society that, until recently, rejected the legitimacy and rights of queer love, many gay writers and filmmakers felt there was no salvation at the end of the rainbow.
The AIDS crisis further clouded the outlook for gay love. However, it’s a reflection of the more optimistic times we live in that contemporary gay films and TV shows, such as “Heartstopper,” can envision storybook romances. “Lie with Me,” a love story between French 17-year-olds set in the mid-1980s, all but rules out a happy ending.
