Queer (Film) – Daniel Craig in Guadagnino’s Obsession Drama

Luca Guadagnino’s 2024 film adaptation brings William S. Burroughs’ semi-autobiographical novella to life, starring Daniel Craig as an American expatriate navigating obsession and desire in 1950s Mexico City. Premiering at the Venice International Film Festival, the period romantic drama has drawn international attention for its bold performances and visual sensibility.

The production, released through A24, features Craig alongside Drew Starkey in a story that traces the emotional pursuit between a lonely older man and a young ex-GI newcomer. Critics have responded favorably, with the film earning a place among the year’s most discussed releases.

What is the Queer (2024) film about?

Set against the backdrop of 1950s Mexico City and Ecuador, the narrative centers on William Lee, a fictionalized version of Burroughs himself, who spends his days bar-hopping and seeking connections with younger men. His solitary existence takes a dramatic turn when he encounters Eugene Allerton, a young ex-GI and student who has newly arrived in the city.

Lee becomes increasingly fixated on Allerton, following him across the city’s nightlife in pursuit of a relationship that remains largely one-sided. Allerton describes himself as “disembodied” rather than adopting any particular label, and his emotional distance creates a persistent tension throughout the film.

The pair eventually travel to Ecuador to take part in yagé ceremonies alongside Dr. Cotter, a character drawn from the source material. However, Allerton ultimately departs, and two years pass before Lee receives word that Allerton has vanished during another journey.

The film draws directly from Burroughs’ 1985 novella of the same name, which itself reflects elements of his own years living in Mexico during the 1940s and early 1950s. The adaptation emphasizes the author’s exploration of addiction, identity, and unrequited longing.

Key themes explored in the film

Critics have identified several recurring elements throughout the narrative, including queer desire, isolation, emotional disconnection, and bisexuality. The portrayal of drug use—including heroin and yagé—features prominently, as does the experience of expatriate life in mid-century Latin America.

Guadagnino, whose previous work includes Call Me By Your Name, approaches the material with a focus on physical intimacy and the complexities of wanting someone who cannot reciprocate in equal measure.

Film at a glance

Who stars in and directed Queer?

Luca Guadagnino serves as director, bringing his established sensibility for intimate character studies to Burroughs’ material. The screenplay was written by Justin Kuritzkes, while production was handled by The Apartment, Frenesy Film, and Fremantle. Jonathan Anderson, creative director of Loewe, designed the costumes.

Daniel Craig plays William Lee, a role that required him to embody the writer’s specific blend of loneliness and yearning. Casting began in December 2022 after Guadagnino’s agent presented the script to Craig, who committed to the project quickly.

Drew Starkey portrays Eugene Allerton, chosen from approximately 300 audition tapes with Craig’s direct involvement in the final decision. Supporting cast members include Jason Schwartzman as Joe Guidry, Lesley Manville as Dr. Cotter, and Henrique Zaga as Winston Moor.

Additional roles are filled by Drew Droege (John Dumé), Andra Ursuța (Mary), Ariel Schulman (Tom Weston), Omar Apollo (Chimu Bar guy), David Lowery (Jim Cochran), and Lisandro Alonso (Mr. Cotter). The ensemble was assembled progressively, with several roles confirmed in early 2023.

Director’s approach

Guadagnino’s vision centers on the sensory and emotional dimensions of the source material. His prior experience directing films centered on queer intimacy provides a foundation for the film’s treatment of desire and alienation.

When and where did Queer premiere?

The film debuted at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2024, where it competed for the festival’s top prize, the Golden Lion. The premiere marked a significant milestone for the production, placing it among the most anticipated entries in the competition lineup.

Following the festival run, A24 released the film in limited theatrical form in the United States on November 27, 2024. The rollout expanded to a wider release on December 13, 2024, extending the film’s reach beyond initial art-house circuits.

A trailer, running approximately one minute and forty-nine seconds, has been made available through official distribution channels, with promotional materials emphasizing the romantic core of the narrative.

What are the reviews for Queer?

The film holds a 77 percent rating on the Tomatometer, compiled from 246 reviews, along with a 65 percent audience score on the Popcornmeter reflecting over 250 individual ratings. These scores place the film in favorable territory among critics and audiences.

Daniel Craig’s performance has drawn particular acclaim, described by reviewers as “funny, open, generous” and “transcendent.” A heroin injection sequence has been singled out as a standout moment in his performance. The National Board of Review recognized the work among the year’s top films, awarding Craig Best Actor honors.

His accolades continued with nominations for Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice, and Screen Actors Guild awards, underscoring the industry’s acknowledgment of his work in the role.

Critical responses also highlight Guadagnino’s sensual direction and his treatment of bodies and desire. Some reviews note a degree of emotional detachment and underdeveloped supporting characters, though the overall consensus favors the film’s ambition and visual craft.

One assessment characterized the work as a “cinematic triumph” that elevates Burroughs’ original story, while others focused on its place within the director’s broader filmography exploring themes of connection and solitude.

Production timeline

The project moved from announcement to premiere over roughly two years, with development tracing the following milestones:

1. 1985 — William S. Burroughs publishes the original novella
2. December 2022 — Daniel Craig commits to the project after receiving the script
3. April 2023 — Additional cast members including Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, and Drew Starkey join
4. 2023 — Principal photography takes place, including scenes shot in Mexico City
5. September 3, 2024 — Film premieres at the Venice International Film Festival
6. November 27, 2024 — Limited US theatrical release begins
7. December 13, 2024 — Wide US theatrical expansion

What remains uncertain about the film

While several aspects of the production have been confirmed, certain details have not been officially addressed or remain subject to change.

Burroughs and the source material

William S. Burroughs wrote the novella during a period of his life marked by significant personal upheaval and relocation. The work represents one of his more straightforward narrative efforts, focusing on emotional pursuit rather than the experimental fragmentation found in his other novels.

Guadagnino’s decision to adapt the material aligns with his established interest in stories exploring intimacy, desire, and the tension between physical closeness and emotional distance. The 1950s setting provides a historical framework within which questions of identity and authenticity become especially pronounced.

The original publication came at a time when Burroughs was already recognized as an influential voice in American literature, though the novella itself received less widespread attention than works like Naked Lunch or Junky. The adaptation introduces the material to a new audience while remaining faithful to its core narrative arc.

Critical perspectives and quotes

The film’s portrayal of Craig’s performance as “transcendent” reflects a consensus among many reviewers regarding his ability to inhabit the character’s vulnerability and determination.

Critics have characterized the work as a “cinematic triumph” that succeeds in bringing Burroughs’ exploration of desire and isolation to contemporary audiences.

Reviews frequently cite the balance between visual sensuality and emotional restraint as a defining characteristic of Guadagnino’s direction. The depiction of physical intimacy, combined with the emotional one-sidedness of Lee’s pursuit, has been noted as a central tension throughout the film.

Summary

Queer represents Luca Guadagnino’s latest work bringing literary source material to the screen, anchored by a lead performance from Daniel Craig that has attracted significant critical recognition. The film premiered at Venice in September 2024 and has since expanded to US theatrical audiences through A24, earning favorable reviews and award nominations. For viewers interested in period-driven character studies exploring queer identity and longing, the adaptation offers a distinctive take on Burroughs’ novella.

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