Unconventional Love Stories on Netflix: A List of Queer Films to Explore
Netflix offers a fantastic array of content that celebrates queer love stories, pushing the boundaries of traditional romance and shedding light on the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. From heartwarming coming-of-age tales to poignant dramas, here is a list of unconventional love stories worth exploring on Netflix.
1. “Blue Is the Warmest Color” (2013): Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche, this French film tells the story of Adele, a young woman who becomes infatuated with a blue-haired artist named Emma. As their relationship unfolds, “Blue Is the Warmest Color” delves into the complexities of desire, love, and self-discovery.
2. “Carol” (2015): Based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel, “The Price of Salt,” this tender drama directed by Todd Haynes follows the forbidden romance between Carol, an older woman going through a divorce, and Therese, a young aspiring photographer. With stunning performances by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, “Carol” explores the struggles of queer love in the 1950s.
3. “The Half of It” (2020): Directed by Alice Wu, this charming coming-of-age story centers around Ellie Chu, a shy Chinese-American teenager who is approached by a jock named Paul to help him write love letters to a girl they both secretly admire. However, as Ellie and Paul grow closer, they realize there may be more to their connection than just friendship.
4. “Paris Is Burning” (1990): “Paris Is Burning” is a groundbreaking documentary that explores the vibrant New York City ball culture of the late 1980s. Directed by Jennie Livingston, the film highlights the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals, predominantly Black and Latinx, and provides an intimate look at their hopes, dreams, and search for love, acceptance, and chosen families.
5. “Moonlight” (2016): Winner of the Best Picture at the 2017 Academy Awards, this coming-of-age drama directed by Barry Jenkins follows the life of Chiron, a young Black man growing up in Miami. Capturing three pivotal periods of his life, “Moonlight” tackles themes of sexuality, identity, and the transformative power of love.
6. “The Perfection” (2018): This psychological thriller, directed by Richard Shepard, centers around two brilliant cellists, Charlotte and Lizzie, whose paths cross under unusual circumstances. As their relationship intensifies, secrets and deceptions slowly unravel, resulting in a dark and twisted exploration of desire and manipulation.
7. “Alex Strangelove” (2018): Directed by Craig Johnson, this lighthearted comedy follows the story of Alex Truelove, a high school senior who is certain about his plan to lose his virginity to his girlfriend. However, when he meets Elliott, an openly gay student, Alex starts questioning his own sexual identity, leading to a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
8. “The Handmaiden” (2016): Directed by Park Chan-wook, “The Handmaiden” is a visually stunning and provocative film set in 1930s Korea. With a lesbian love story at its core, the film weaves a tale of romance, betrayal, and intrigue, featuring mesmerizing performances and unexpected plot twists.
9. “Boy Erased” (2018): Based on Garrard Conley’s memoir, “Boy Erased” explores the harrowing experience of a young man forced into conversion therapy by his religious parents. Directed by Joel Edgerton, the film delves into the struggles of self-acceptance and the power of love in the face of adversity.
10. “Rafiki” (2018): Directed by Wanuri Kahiu, this Kenyan drama tells the story of Kena and Ziki, two young women who fall in love in a society that deems their relationship unacceptable. “Rafiki” beautifully captures the tender moments and challenges of their love, while also highlighting the importance of self-expression and breaking free from societal norms.
These unconventional love stories on Netflix provide a rich tapestry of queer experiences, showcasing the beauty and complexity of LGBTQ+ relationships. Whether you’re looking for heartwarming tales of self-discovery or thought-provoking dramas, these films offer an inclusive range of narratives that deserve to be celebrated and shared. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let these films take you on a journey into the diverse and vibrant world of queer love.