1985

1985, the first wave of the AIDS crisis: Adrian Lester (Cory Michael Smith), a young advertising executive from New York, returns home to his conservative Texas family for Christmas. He wants to say goodbye to his family without revealing that he is suffering from AIDS. Naturally reserved, Adrian struggles with the secret of his homosexuality and his fear of rejection. During his visit, he tries to rebuild his relationship with his younger brother Andrew and his parents. He buys expensive gifts to create closeness and meets his old friend Carly, to whom he eventually confides his illness. Over the course of the holidays, it becomes clear that both his father and mother have long suspected that Adrian is gay… Director Yen Tan has crafted a quiet, haunting drama with “1985” that sheds light on the AIDS crisis of the 1980s from a deeply personal perspective. Through atmospheric black-and-white cinematography and a minimalist setting, Adrian’s emotional isolation becomes all the more palpable. The strength of the film lies in its restraint: instead of grand gestures, the direction relies on subtle glances, pauses, and unspoken truths. Alongside Cory Michael Smith’s nuanced portrayal of guilt, fear, and longing for closeness, the supporting cast also impresses—especially Virginia Madsen and Michael Chiklis as Adrian’s parents. “A carefully drawn coming-out drama that captures fine nuances in its characters and illustrates tensions without passing judgment. The exquisite black-and-white images also contribute to the impact of this intense film, in which exchanges of dialogue are as meaningful as silence.” (Lexicon of International Film)