The queer breakout star of boot camp drama ‘Eismayer’ sure has us standing at attention
Eismayer, a gay boot camp drama from Austria that had us standing at attention.From writer-director David Wagner, the film tells the true story of an Austrian Armed Forces lieutenant who fell in love with one of his recruits.In the titular role is Gerhard Liebmann, playing the hard-nosed instructor who has developed quite a reputation at the barracks for being demanding and pitiless.
He also happens to be deeply closeted, keeping the secret from everyone—including his wife and young son.But there’s a new arrival at the barracks, an openly gay recruit named Mario Falak (Luka Dimić), who manages to get under Eismayer’s skin and begins to chip away at his rigid exterior.Eismayer had its world premiere in September 2022 at the Venice International Film Festival, and has played at fests around the globe in the year since, racking up critical acclaim and a number of awards along the way.
Now, it’s finally playing in select U.S. theaters courtesy of Dark Star Pictures—and is slated to hit digital platforms on October 10—so you’ll be able to check it our for yourself.Many reviews out of the festivals have rightfully singled out Liebmann’s terrific, layered performance.
A prolific and respected Austrian character actor, his work’s not especially well known in the U.S., so the role represents his long-overdue international breakthrough.‘The Inspection,’ ‘Tom of Finland,’ and more movies to watch that spotlight queer people serving in the military.But just as impressive is his younger co-star, Dimić, who capably holds his own against the veteran actor and sells us on Falak’s emotional arc—one that can be hard to believe, but is very much true!Though their relationship starts off brutally antagonistic, there’s a raw, undeniable chemistry between the two—a dialogue-free scene where the men shower next to one another will have you on the edge of your seat.
