Our HIV & Aids sub theme on 'Sad Goodbyes and Road Trips' kicks off with Longtime Companion (1989).

What's surprising about this film is that it went theatrical! Sure, it was a struggle to shoot and finance (and there's only one actual queer in the cast), but it's something of a marvel regardless.

Plus: Speedos and young Dermot Mulroney; another Mary-Louise Parker performance; and why Campbell Scott's character Willy earns Joe's derision.

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Conrad and Joe continue their 2026 TIFF coverage with Marine Atlan's 2.5 hour feature directorial debut, La Gradiva (2026). Centering on a French school group who travel to Naples, the film is a coming of age exploration of sex, sexuality, politics, and art. Featuring a trio of leads (one of whom is explicitly queer), this was Joe's favourite film of the festival and one that lingers long after the credits.

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Conrad and Joe wrap up our 'Gay Panic' theme with Neil Jordan's The Crying Game (1992).

The film notoriously features a "trans twist" which dominated pop culture discussions, leading to a flawed legacy (to such a degree that Conrad has never revisited it before now).

On a rewatch: this is a love story with a whole act that follows Dil's revelation and, while Fergus' reaction is initially troubling, there's much more to this film than just the reveal.

Plus: exploring the theme of identity; Joe's appreciation of Jordan's filmography; skirting around the IRA and the Troubles; and celebrating Miranda Richardson's Jude.

Seen the film or want to hear more details? Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/TheQueerGaze for ~19 more minutes of spoiler-heavy discussion.

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Follow the show on Insta and BlueSky: @thequeergaze.

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