Shorts Variety Reviews
This section will be a collection of reviews of short BL films, and/ or documentaries, music videos, featuring LGBTQ+ people or themes. Simply click onto the image to get to its video. Hope you enjoy these cinema snippets.
Close The Door
An introverted student meets a charming and confident extroverted guest and a whole new world opens for both- 2025 – India
An astonishingly complete gay love story in less than 30 minutes. We have a beginning, middle and an end that is told with such care and compassion and complete empathy with the characters. Ronit (Ayush Dubey) is an introverted serious student is asked by his friend to house his cousin Jay (Shawn Gupta) as he looks for work.
The two are essentially polar opposites – in the beginning. There are bantering and small fights between the two breaking out constantly. Slowly, it all leads to a greater understanding between the two. Along the way, there is a sexual tension between the two that spills over sometime overtly but most remains covertly. As time passes, Ronit exposes his inner self and shares his deepest pain which results in what he thinks is a fatal blow to their perhaps budding relationship.
But Jay tends to play his cards close to his chest and on his own terms. When it seems like it is all over, this is a pleasant surprise. This is a brilliantly filmed and choreographed story that feels complete despite its short duration. While it might not move mountains with its romance, its build-up to a relationship is both surprising and creative and one of the best written screenplays I have seen for a short film. It is encompassing comprehensive. It is adult in its outcome and does not make the story trite or cliché but feel real and confident.
One Night Stand
Two young men share a night of passion and an intimate connection only for one to wake up alone- 2026 – Philippines
This is an astonishing short film from the Philippines is unscripted and without dialogue. The emotions and nexus are all spontaneous and we can see as the evening progresses, it is more than just a mere casual liaison. The one visiting the room (Axl Romeo) comes into the room and greets another young man (Cedric Vinuya) with warmth and instantly a sense of togetherness overtakes both.
As the night goes on, so does the passion and lust intensify. But even without words, we can feel something more is happening. Early in the morning, the young man who came to visit, gently kisses the sleeping one, smiling, and kisses him again as he then drifts back to sleep.
When he awakes, he is alone. No good-bye. Just an empty bed. At least he had the memories perhaps even wistful thoughts of what could have been.
We know nothing more than what is presented here. Perhaps it is, as the title suggests nothing more than a fling, but over the night deeper feelings blossomed. But both very likely knew this was not going to be. A night of pleasure turned into a lifetime of sad memories. I know.
This is one of the last works of Axl Romeo before his untimely passing, which adds more depth and poignancy to the bittersweetness of the film. I am saddened by his passing as he had such a promising career ahead of him.
The world needs to mourn the loss of what would have been.
Lonely Country Hitchhiker
A rural closeted gay man is forced to confront his suppressed and repressed desires with unfortunate consequences – 2024 – Canada
This short film is not what you are expecting it to be. Briefly, we see an isolated young man in a rural area named Eugene (Antoine Guimbal) drive into a small village. There he sees a younger man standing alone. They strike up a conversation, and it seems like Jack (Euan Lathrop) needs a place to stay for the night. Eugene says he can stay in his rural home.
Everything seems well and as they get to know each other, something primal takes over Eugene. He leans into Jack and kisses him with Jack reacting with force. He beats Eugene up and steals his money, as if that is what his intent was. It is as if Jack knew that Eugene was gay and lonely.
The ending surprised me, as I was not expecting it. I knew Eugene was off a bit, but I did not suspect what his profession might be; which explained a lot. You must remember the time this was supposed to be – in the 1950’s.
This is a deeply sad portrait of rural queer life and the harsh consequences that can follow a single misstep. I doubt seriously much has changed since this time frame in many of the backwards/rural areas of anywhere. I am sure this remains still a hidden topic and one for open exploitation.
The acting and cinematography are strikingly dramatic. The film is beautifully shot, with strong visual structure and careful attention to the details and nuances of its setting.
Certainly, the story is not necessarily an original one; but this presentation surely is.
When Clouds Drift Past Earth
“The sky keeps moving. The Earth Keeps waiting. Even after the clouds are gone” – 2026 – Thailand
A moving and poignant love story between Earth (Penake Raktiprakorn) and his lover Mek [Cloud] (John lwan Khaung). It is obvious that these two young men are deeply in live and are perhaps in the throws of a new relationship. It is that time where all is blissful and peaceful and content.
However, during the celebration of Mek’s birthday, he suddenly starts to vomit blood. After testing, it is determined that he has terminal stomach cancer and does not have long to live. This then becomes the documentation of the final moment of them being together.
Somehow it does not seem or feel right. This is supposed to be for old people. Yet here they are. Having to hold each other in their arms with one dying at so young an age.
This beautifully choreographed film is just so cinematically soft yet astonishingly powerful in its message and symbolism. Life does and must go on all around earth with the clouds coming and then receding. Perhaps never forming in the same way or in the same location.
While somber and heartbreaking, it is the antithesis of Thai BLs. Yet, it has a message of love that is so much more meaningful and intense than any cliché-driven series.
Bring tissues.
Bring Mich Nach Hause
A lonely teen rediscovers the beaty of human connection again through the friendship of a fellow classmate – 2025 – Germany
This short film is a journey for so many of us when we were younger. Feeling out-of-place and isolated because there is no one around us. Elias (Aurel Huber) is by himself nearly all the time. His father is constantly working and his mother left to be with another man. Now that his birthday is coming, he is wanting to spend some time with his father. But his father is unable to, as there is suddenly more work and must leave.
Having just moved into the area, Elias does not know anyone and he isolates himself. After a soccer ball accidentally hits him, Ralphi (Johathan Utz) goes out of his way to befriend him, which is a bit of a challenge as Elias is wrapped up into his own little world of hurt.
But he manages to let Ralphi in and as they develop a fast friendship, Ralphi discovers that it is Elias’s birthday and creates a surprise birthday party for him. The beginning of a beautiful friendship…
This is not just a sweet coming-of-age story, it is a story intensely human. You can see the hunger in both young high school boys of a connection to one another that is real, genuine, and sincere. A rarity to happen so quickly.
The story is filmed in such a cinematic significance not just to the characters but to the place where they live. It touches everything. It encompasses them and where they live. We can feel the magic of just being there with them. Life is simple as it ought be for two young high school boys.
I genuinely cried at the connection and the human touches of this story.
My Son Is In Love With A Man
A reflective review of a Korean/Chinese gay couple trying to navigate the intricacies of telling the Korean mother of their wedding plans – 2026 – South Korea/Japan
A beautiful short film of a gay couple where they are going back to South Korea to tell his mother that he and his lover are getting married. The complexities and cultural sensitivities of what happens are so poignant. Interestingly, the mother already knew of their relationship from years ago and kept it festering deep inside of her. While her son’s lover tried to tell her, she called him greedy, which deeper hurt. It is only when her son in a quiet pensive approach tells his mother that he loves him and they are indeed planning on marrying.
The mother then begins to reflect upon her own marriage, with the loss of her husband only one year ago. She tackles and readjusts her myopic perspective that she cannot worry about what others will think of them. They are in love. It ends with the mother slowly beginning to accept the inevitable.
Just a beautiful short film of great courage not only of the protagonists but also of the mother. A heartening and touching almost spiritual transformation.
Supermonk
A deeply emotional and spiritual story inspired by innocence, compassion, and the quiet strength of a boy monk in the Himalayas – 2019 – Nepal
This is indeed a story of quiet strength from an innocent young boy studying to be a monk who seeks religion in his own way. He literally does ‘dance to the beat of your own drum.’ He lives in a world of fantasy, yet his world is idealized by his teachings. Suddenly he needs to put into practice what he is now learning and what his own inner strengths are telling him are true. He befriends and unconditionally saves a rebel child of war and keeps him safe. Although he and his young stowaway friend have in a sense developed a bond that is short, its effect will last a lifetime.
By the end, you know they truly want nothing more than what little boys all over the world want – to laugh and play and be nothing more than innocent bystanders enjoying the beauty of the earth.
You will laugh and cry at the same time with this stunningly moving short story beautifully filmed and even more beautifully acted with pure childhood innocence.
Kohrra: Queer Love In Rural India
A moving portrayal of homosexuality in a rural village where the monolithic idea of masculinity reigns supreme – 2025 – India
Sometimes you are simply jolted back to a reality that you do not want to be reminded of or frankly remember. This is one of the most powerful short films about how far we have not gone in our quest for freedom and equality. This is a treatise not just for gay freedom but also for women’s rights. We need to stand up, no matter what our culture, customs, religion, or beliefs, and fight for what is right.
I no doubt believe this story is told countless times all over the world in many different versions. Life is still hell for perhaps millions of others. So, remember that the next time you sit down in the comfort of your home, with your favorite snack and watch your puffery BL. For others life is beyond hard. It is impossible.
The title of this short film is succinctly named. It literally means ‘fog’. More loosely, it means the confusion or repression of hidden or repressed desires or trauma. You will understand…
This is a complete masterpiece and exceptionally well-acted. The filming is raw and real. I felt everything from all the characters – both the protagonists and antagonists. I was profoundly and utterly overcome with grief. We must do better.
Please watch this Magnum Opus.
Shafted: An Unexpected Romance
Awkwardly finding romance in an elevator leading to a unexpectedly much deeper connection- 2025 – United States
This short film starts out with a bang. In an elevator. With all the awkwardness that one could possibly imagine. Then it slides downhill from there. Joel (Mat Hayes) is totally attracted to Rafael (Alexender Pimentel). When suddenly the elevator stops working, Joel begins to decompensate. Fortunately, he brought wine with him and the two of them began to loosen up and share more than just feelings.
However, the story goes in a rather unexpected way and twists into a whole new reality. It becomes a story within a story. It will catch you off guard for sure. The story is a mixture of comedy, romance, and drama with the characters displaying highly neurotic tendencies, anxiety, phobias, and ironic personalities.
There is great chemistry between the protagonists that presents a slice-of-life that hits a little too close to home for the actors in their own reality.
This might seem like a ‘la-la land’ dream state, but living in Los Angeles, this is more forthright than discerned.
Anggid (Similar)
A deeply intrinsic friendship that takes a painful esoteric journey into darkening emotions – 2026 – Philippines
Perhaps this short story will leave you with more questions than answers. While it chronicles the friendship between Kael (Ian Joshua Teologia) and his constant companion Azul (Zian Christian Lirazan), it is also a reflection of them having to face the reality of entering new stages in their lives. So, they take an intimate journey to fulfill a novel and silly bucket list of trivialities. Yet, something feels off. It feels so much more hidden than that. And it is. What that is, is interpretive to the viewer. I have my thoughts but mine are no truer than yours are.
This is a student project that is just brilliantly done. Imaginative, creative, interpretive and most of all, emotionally draining. If, as I stated, you are looking for answers, you will not find them here. Only nebulous paradoxes. It is dark, brooding, and for me, offers only pensive reflections.
This is another astonishing and deeply impactful cinematic experience that takes all of 20 minutes to lay down the foundation for a lifetime of vicissitude.
Aun Hay Tiempo (There Is Still Time)
A closeted teenager finds a classmate that is his path to change – 2025 – Mexico
This is a close to home short film that certainly gets to the heart for so many young gay boys. Sneaking around hoping to find someone he can relate to. In this case, by happenstance, these two young boys in high school find each other and fall in love. One is ‘out’ while the other one is still deeply living in the closet – trying to please his family in particular his father in terms of what he wants to be and who he wants to be.
While they spend part of the summer blissfully, the one freaks out when he is almost discovered by a friend of his. His friend gives him an ultimatum. He now must decide what direction will he take with his life? Is there still time for him?
Watch this coming of age and coming-out story that ends with someone making a very big decision.
Toothbrush
A closeted man on the brink of getting married realizes his time is up – 2025 – England
A powerful short journey of a man torn with anxiety over his non-acceptance that he cannot bring himself to acknowledge his true nature. Liam (Jack Armstrong) has a night out with the boys only to find himself knocking on the door of his former ex-boyfriend, Will (Alexander Mushore). More stares than words are exchanged but what words that are, makes the point. Neither can get the other out of their heads. Both are living rent free in there. Despite what seems like the end, may not be.
We do see them waking up embracing in the same bed together. Yet, we do know what is in store for them. It is up to the viewer to fill in the blanks.
This is a meaningful and well-acted short film that says more than most full films can do. The two actors have such great screen chemistry. I felt that they actually were a couple.
Note the title of this beautiful film and ask yourself: who keeps the toothbrush of your ex-boyfriend? If you did not know he was going to return or did not want him to secretly return? Just wondering.
Rerun
An open-ended story with no real beginning and no real ending, just emotions – 2023 – Thailand
This is an astonishing and brilliant short film that has no real plot and is as open-ended and nebulous as enigmas get. We see a relationship between Kit (PP Krit) and Chou (Nine Naphat) starting out between artist and curator and evolving into lovers. Yet, something wedges between them that is part of who Chou is. The story is vague, undisciplined and will no doubt leave you wanting more but you will not get more. It is watching theater-in-the-round in all its brilliance. It is acting for the sake of pure emotions and is done with utter commitment and intensity. Everything seems ‘okay’ yet we know it is ‘not okay’. That word becomes so powerful and meaningful throughout this short sonnet.
This is one of the best short films I have ever seen. Its mastery is in its mystery.and try different cathartic methods to help finally move on from who we once were. This is just an interesting and intriguing story. Can we really change who we are?
Delivery Boy
A story of connection, friendship, and futility of a dead-end job – 2019 – Hong Kong
While completed several years ago, this holds up rather well. It is a timeless and endless story. Although the story takes place in Hong Kong, its supposition is universally true everywhere. In jobs we hate, unnoticed by ones we have an unrequited attraction to, and a general feeling that the universe is against us. But suddenly a small window of opportunity opens up, and we must decide whether to jump through that window or not. Occasionally, that window might not be fully open and we could be shattered by broken glass as we try to smash right through. While at other times, we could open it carefully wider and let a lot more of the fresh air in. This is that kind of story.
It might also help that you have a devoted friend by your side. Oh, how we all wish we had a friend who would advocate and fight for you. A rare commodity. However, that is not to say that there is not just a little something that could help ‘persuade’ a softening and assistance.
Simply enjoy a feel-good short film and maybe watch it over-and-over again to strengthen your spirit or resolve. It will make you smile every time.
Three of Us
Three roommates share a cramped apartment until one-night unspoken feeling erupt- 2026 – Philippines
A uniquely filmed short film. It is completely unscripted with no prepared lines or dialogue. The performances are solely relying on eye contact, body language, and the natural chemistry between the actors. And it is beautiful and stunningly done with spontaneity and naturalness. See how a threesome can naturally form without encouragement and simply on the moment of three young men in the throws of complete lust and desire.
See how a simple kiss can perhaps create future tensions between them, even jealousy, maybe uncontrollable desire and lust, and even destroy an existing strong bond that they had between them. That is the real power of sex.
Lip Crush 2
Now that they are more than friends what exactly do they label their relationship- 2026 – United States
Now that Tyler (Kiahnoa Saucedo) and Oliver (Caleb Lowell) have elevated their friendship and are certainly more than mere close friends, what are they? Oliver wants to freeze time, so nothing has to change while Tyler wants a resolution as to what they are now that they have gone beyond best friends. With Tyler’s mother’s wedding imminent, she wants them to dance together.
Since Oliver does not know how to, Tyler teaches him how and as their movement becomes intimate and they stare into each other’s eyes, Stage 2 begins. They know it. They are no longer just friends. Oliver whispers, “We are boyfriends” while Tyler quietly says, “Time froze.” In that moment, they became one.
This is such a stunning moving advancement of a story that was only partially told in the first episode. Now we have an intimacy that they cannot back away from.
Enjoy this follow-up!s genuinely and painfully emotive.