NQV Media’s popular strand ‘The Male Gaze’ returns with ‘The Male Gaze: Boy Trouble’. This new release features four (lengthier) shorts that clock in at a combined 96 minutes. The theme for this collection is stories that centre on boys (and men) that find themselves in situations that could easily get them into trouble. Taking in shorts from Argentina, Mexico, Austria and Peru, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into.
‘Boy Trouble’ gets off to a very modern start with ‘Billy Boy’, a short from Sacha Amaral that explores the fluidity of sexuality and the very disposable way that sex is treated. Alejo (Patricio Aramburu) spends his days moving from one sexual encounter to another, unconcerned with who it is he’s sharing a bed with. The character is completely emotionally detached from the encounters he has, looking purely for instant gratification and nothing more. At one point a hook-up dares to ask for more information about him and he shuts them down in spectacular fashion. It’s a damning comment on the world of modern dating, and makes those of us who don’t have to deal with it eternally grateful.
Next we travel to Mexico for Rafael Ruiz Espejo and Luis Pacheco for the story of Jaime (Jaime Bernache), a young biker who forms an unexpected connection with Verano (Erick Aceves), a pink-haired escort. After taking Verano to and from jobs, Jaime starts to understand that his feelings for Verano may be much more than he’d originally thought. There’s a lot that goes unsaid in this one and you really do have to fill in a lot of the blanks, but that means it’s left open to interpretation at points and it’s clear both of these men are complex characters.
In ‘Fabiu’, from director Stefan Langthaler, an old man, Arthur (Günter Tolar), finds long-suppressed feelings resurfacing when his seriously ill wife’s nurse is changed from a woman to a young man (Kristóf Gellén). The young man, Fabiu, diligently carries out his duties and in the evenings he begins getting to know his new employer. What starts off as innocent conversation, soon becomes more personal with Arthur overstepping as his desire for Fabiu takes over. Things lead up to a difficult head, that doesn’t deliver the outcome either of the men expects.
The final short ‘Checoslovaquia’ from Dennis Perinango is the best of the bunch. Taking us to Peru, the film introduces Diego (Ali Cabanillas) and Pedro (Victor Contreras), two men who meet when spying on a local team of transwomen playing football. As the two men spend time together, they become very close and soon their friendship is put on the line by one of their actions. The film explores unexpected connections, and also the reaction of society, and it’s a surprising watch.
‘The Male Gaze: Boy Trouble’ continues the strand’s winning streak of delivering thoughtful films that audiences may not otherwise discover. While it may not be the strongest instalment in the series so far, there’s more than enough here to enjoy. I’m already on the countdown for the next release.
Cast: Patricio Aramburu, Miel Bargman, Santi Grandone, Jaime Bernache, Erick Aceves, Kristóf Gellén, Birgit Stimmer, Günter Tolar, Ali Cabanillas, Victor Contreras, Marco Antonio Miranda Directors: Sacha Amaral, Rafael Ruiz Espejo & Luis Pacheco, Stefan Langthaler, Dennis Perinango Certificate: 18 Duration: 96 minutes Released by: NQV Media Release date: 1st April 2024 Buy ‘The Male Gaze: Boy Trouble’ now
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