Drown
Strand (2015)
Drama, Queer Themes/Interest, Sports
In Collection
#462
7*
Seen ItYes
(5/18/2016 NetFlix)
712262341528
IMDB   5.6
93 mins Australia / English
DVD  Region 1
Sam Anderson Tom
Harry Cook Meat
Jack Matthews Phil
Matt Levett Len
Matt James Chook
Jayr Tinaco Dan
Daniel Needs Danno
Director
Dean Francis
Producer Dean Francis
Stephen Davis
Writer/Composer Dean Francis
Stephen Davis
Cinematography Dean Francis
Music Ian Kitney


In the cloistered world of competitive surf-lifesaving, Len, an swim club hero, is de-throned as the reigning champion by a younger, gay competitor, Phil. Len embarks on a campaign of intimidation and bullying against the newcomer but is forced to confront his own repressed homoerotic desire. A booze-fueled night out brings jealousy, homophobic fear and unrequited lust to a tragic and shocking climax.
Edition Details
Release Date 2014
No. of Discs/Tapes 1
Personal Details
Purchase Date 5/18/2016
Location Personal Library
Owner Deitz
Store Amazon
Purchase Price $21.71
Condition New
Links +Review @SaltyPopcorn
- Review @GayUK
+Review @Travels of Adam
‡ Adult Bullying
Official Site Drown the Movie
Drown at Core for Movies
IMDB
TheMovieDb.org
References
Streaming, VoD NetFlix
Lists ‡ Listall Best Gay Themed by Polsko
Festivals & Awards LIGLFF 2015

Notes
Immediately after watching it, I wrote a brief review of this film -- the next day, I deleted it -- I just could not decide how I felt -- It is a powerful film, ugly, violent, erotic -- added nothing especially new about bullying or homophobia though.
I found the reviews at IMDb and elsewhere helpful. The reviewers mostly either liked it or hated it; not much middle ground. Jason King in Salty Popcorn expresses my feeling: "The subject matter for this play/movie was ambitious and much deeper than your generic gay drama – for that I applaud it, with a few tweaks, wider shots and a more fleshed out lead character this movie could have been a masterpiece,"
I also posted a bullying related link.
Actors were well cast; Since they are all young swimmer athletes, there are plenty of scenes of the beach in their famous skimpy Aussie bathing suits. It's easy on the eyes in this regard.
I rated it a 7, could have just as comfortably gone for a 6. It is a film well impressed on my brain. I originally watched it on NetFlix, then I purchased it for my personal collection. It is a movie I will no doubt be visiting again.