How often have you sat around with your friends pondering life’s great mysteries or discussing socio-political issues? How often have these discussions occurred in your pyjamas over cereal? This is what director and co-writer Sophie Kargman presents in her short film Query, alongside co-writer and producer Ryan Farhoudi. The topic of societal norms regarding sexuality is openly debated between two young males over the course of one day.
The film opens to sunshine, boxers and cereal. In the early morning, best friends and roommates, Jay (Justice Smith) and Alex (Graham Patrick Martin), are making breakfast in their underwear. Alex challenges Jay on his opinions of sexuality and how heterosexuality is shaped by those around us: “Are you sure you weren’t just conditioned to like girls because your mum and dad were out there showing you what the societal norm was.” As the day progresses, Jay makes a proposal to test Alex’s theories, which could ultimately transform their friendship in unexpected ways.
“I find it interesting that in some cultures it wasn’t as stigmatised as it is today. I think that society has had a profound impact on the way that we think about and metabolise our sexual instincts.”
“I Understand Why Men Can Be Attracted To Other Men.”
In a recognisably comfortable setting, Query dives head first into thoughtful conversation, but where it differentiates itself is that Jay and Alex are two ‘bros’ you wouldn’t typically see on-screen discussing such issues. They would stereotypically be the casual prankster friends in a Netflix teen film, lacking any sort of real depth. Kargman and Farhoudi have created two honest, real and likeable portraits of young males, and Smith and Martin are entirely believable, their chemistry together natural and effortless.
Query moves at an easy pace, gliding along with the boys as they play video games, pick up food and beer, hang out by the pool, and play backgammon. Each aspect of their day acts as a backdrop to their casual dialogue and, in only 9 minutes, the film packs a lot in. Query bathes in sunshine and subtle hues of Miami’s Ocean Drive, and Kargman does an excellent job of creating a relaxed atmosphere that feels cosy and intimate.
A cameo by Armie Hammer—a Call Me By Your Name drive-by role—feels out of place. I would have preferred the film to feature Smith and Martin only, but this is my only complaint about this wonderful film. However, Hammer’s entrance, as Kargman explains in an interview with Film and TV Now, is reminiscent of an early shot in Terrence Malick’s 1973 film Badlands. The cinematography (Irvin Liu) and editing (Christine Park) is clear and precise, with the majority of the film basking in the morning sun.
LGBTQ+ representation is slowly increasing within mainstream media but the discussion of societal norms of sexuality is still seldom touched upon, especially amongst two young, heterosexual males. Query delves into a subject matter, which we have all talked or, at least, thought about. For a film with such a calm and peaceful vibe, it is surprisingly deep and any questions posed don’t have simple answers.
Query: Conclusion
Query began life as a conversation between Kargman and Farhoudi about Generation Z and “how they challenge preconceived notions about sexuality more than any prior generation.” Kargman states she loved that Query “reflects our ever-evolving culture.”
Query is intimate and comfortable, reflecting a day of ease we have all experienced with our best friends. However, its fantastic ending implies a whole host of possibilities, insinuating that Kargman prefers to cleverly provide more questions than answers. Beautifully shot and superbly acted, Query is charming and thoughtful, and a refreshing take on an important conversation we should all be having more. Just how conditioned are we?
Have we been conditioned on sexuality? What are some of your favourite films or television shows that discuss sexuality or represent the LGBTQ+ community? Let us know below.
Query was originally scheduled to premiere on 15 April 2020 at the Tribeca Film Festival (15–26 April 2020). The festival was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Find out more about the film here, or on the Tribeca website.
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