A Revry original, Unconventional is a really well-liked queer dramedy that feels totally different from the usual stuff. The heart of the story is about two pretty eccentric queer siblings and their partners trying to build a family that doesn't follow the traditional rules. It takes a super raw and unfiltered look at queer life, diving deep into things like mental health, addiction, and how complicated identity and relationships can get. It’s not afraid to get messy or show people at their most vulnerable, and it really pushes boundaries while showing a lot of different queer experiences. The first season has nine episodes, and each one is about a half-hour long. The story centers on Noah, a grad student who’s been struggling for years to wrap up his PhD. He’s been with his husband, Dan, for nine years, and they’ve recently gotten married and moved to Palm Springs. While they're trying to figure out how to start a family and have a baby, they decide to shake things up by in...
Wu Gang and Sam are a gay couple who have been together for over three years. To give into his mother's pressure, Gang gets into a fake marriage with Yang Duo. Yang is a lesbian who has been in a steady relationship with another girl. But when after the wedding, the other starts showing up unannounced at their home, Duo is forced to move in with Gang which leads to her breakup with her girlfriend. At one such event, the mother shows up with Gang's sister and she asks Duo to convince her to get married. We soon realize that the sister is also gay and before you know the sister and Duo are getting together. Some awkward hilarious scenes with a very dominating mother follow, who even fakes to have cancer to have the sister marry Sam. Eventually the truth comes out. Initially the mother is mad, as you would expect, but eventually gives in.
My big problem with the film was that it tried so hard to be funny but barring few scenes it just wasn't funny. It felt more drama. Some genuine humor would have elevated this film to another level. Also a lot of scenes were unnecessarily stretched. To use up 2 hours to tell a simple story is a bit too far. Gang acted well and was funny but you could see how he is totally momma's boy. He can never say no to whatever she asks or says. In contrast, the sister is more outspoken and wants to fight back to just be herself and live life on her own terms. The mother, my god, is very very dominating and nosy. I understand that culturally children respect their parents very much in Asia, but this was just taking it to another level. Forcing them to get married, and then forever asking them to have kids is just super annoying after a while. As a couple Sam and Gang have thankfully great chemistry. There is no awkwardness. Same can't be said about the girls. It was funny to see Gang having a penis shaped pillow that he carries everywhere. I want one of those now.
the film's premise was interesting but its funny only in bits and pieces. This could have been a lot better. (5.5/10)
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