Lonesome is an unapologetically raw and intense exploration of Queer identity, set against the vibrant, sometimes harsh backdrop of Sydney’s urban sprawl. Directed by Craig Boreham, the film follows Casey (Josh Lavery), a cowboy running from a small-town scandal, as he navigates the chaotic mix of isolation, desire, and self-discovery in the city. This isn’t just a story about survival – it’s about the emotional and sexual awakening of a young man searching for connection in a world that doesn’t always welcome him with open arms.
Boreham’s direction brings a gritty authenticity to the film, particularly through Casey’s relationship with Tib (Daniel Gabriel), a free-spirited city dweller. Their dynamic is electric – filled with a palpable chemistry that is both sexual and emotional. Tib offers Casey a kind of solace, though both characters struggle to understand the depth of their connection beyond the physical. This tension, where lust and loneliness blur, becomes one of the film’s central themes.
Sex, Solitude, and Self-Discovery: Lonesome Explores the Depths of Queer Vulnerability.
Josh Lavery’s portrayal of Casey is magnetic. His quiet, brooding presence hides a torrent of guilt, vulnerability, and confusion. Through minimal dialogue and powerful physicality, Lavery expresses the weight of Casey’s trauma – his internal conflict is almost more compelling than the film’s narrative itself. Tib, played with energy by Gabriel, adds a contrasting sense of freedom and lightness, even as he too grapples with his own emotional baggage.
The film doesn’t shy away from explicit sex, but it isn’t gratuitous. Instead, it feels like a necessary exploration of how these characters, particularly Casey, use intimacy to fill emotional voids. The nudity and sensuality are essential to the storytelling, adding layers of vulnerability rather than shock value. That said, it might feel uncomfortable or intense for some viewers, as it leans heavily into the gritty, unpolished side of Queer life.
Visually, Lonesome is stunning, with cinematography that balances the urban grittiness of Sydney with moments of poetic beauty. There’s a distinct colour palette that evolves with Casey’s journey – from the earthy tones of his rural past to the neon-lit city streets, capturing the juxtaposition of the rural and urban worlds Casey inhabits.
While Lonesome is undoubtedly captivating, it’s not without its flaws. The film’s pacing falters in moments, and some scenes feel a bit rushed, leaving emotional beats unresolved. For instance, the final act, which involves a cathartic yet disturbing moment of degradation for Casey, lacks the buildup needed to fully justify his actions. The film hints at a larger internal struggle within Casey, but it sometimes leaves the audience wishing for a deeper dive into his psyche.
Final Thoughts ★★★★
Would I recommend Lonesome? Oh yes. If you’re after an intense, raw Queer narrative that doesn’t shy away from the complexities of identity, trauma, and desire, this film is for you. It’s gritty, passionate, and at times, uncomfortable – but that’s what makes it compelling. While it doesn’t always land perfectly, Lonesome offers a fresh, unflinching look at Queer life and connection that’s both haunting and beautiful.
Available to watch on Apple TV and other streaming services.
More Reading
- A Queer Cowboy in the City: Lonesome’s Gritty Tale of Queer Longing and Discovery
- All of Us Strangers: A Hauntingly Beautiful Exploration of What Could Have Been
- Bear Traps at The Golden Goose Theatre: A Quiet Look at Family Ties and Black Holes
- Buried Truths and Second Chances: Two Come Home Delivers a Heartfelt, Moving Reckoning
