Fridae

Yes, folks, we have two gay films opening in Singapore this week! The first � and the only good one � is Savage Grace by acclaimed gay director Tom Kalin (Swoon).

Adapted from a novel by Natalie Robins and Steven M L Aronson, it tells the true story of incest, murder and insanity in the super-rich Baekeland family, heirs to the fortune of Leo Baekeland, the man who invented plastic.

Julianne Moore delivers her most demanding role in years as the beautiful and unstable actress Barbara Daly who marries into the wealthy Baekeland family � only to suffer from an unhappy marriage to her husband Brooks (Stephen Dillane) and raise an unequally unhappy gay child Tony (Eddie Redmayne).

The complex relationship between mother and son is one of the main focuses of this drama. The unusual closeness between Barbara and Tony, as well as his inability to deal with his father's rejection of his sexuality, ultimately leads Tony down the path of madness and murder.

Constructed in a series of six episodes spread between 1946 and 1972, Savage Grace may not be a film for everyone, as it is certainly complex in its scope and structure. But it is a technically impressive piece of work, boasting solid performances and polished production values all round.

For gay audiences looking for eye candy, Savage Grace boasts quite a gallery of good-lookers. Eddie Redmayne, who plays Tony, has cheekbones and a jawline so sharp they could cut diamonds. Hugh Dancy, who plays a bisexual art dealer, also does his own share of steaming up the screen.

This film requires some brainwork to enjoy and appreciate. But for discerning LGBT audiences, Savage Grace is easily the must-see movie of the week.