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...
Robert is a young idealistic young detective who is out in charge of a high profile rich man's murder case. When they realize that this person was probably gay or at least slept with men, things take a turn. His partner, who rules with an iron fist, makes a guy confess for the murder who eventually is conveniently dead in the prison cell later, just so the case can be closed. Robert is supposed to get married to his beautiful girlfriend, a fellow militia. Meanwhile, his father, who holds a string position, is paving way for him to be a high ranking officer. Unsatisfied with how the investigation of this high profile murder happened, Robert goes on his own investigation and meets a young gay man Arek. Arek knows more than he leads on to, and soon Robert starts finding himself getting attracted to the man. This doesn't go down well with his father for even his girlfriend. As it turns out, its the high ranking officers in the military who are trying to sabotage the case before there are pictures and video of a big gay orgy at a villa where a lot of this young men and high profile men were present and the cops are trying to cover up and help each other. The way Robert struggles with his own demons and family while showing his care for Arek forms the crux of the story.
The film draws you in from the every first scene with its amazing cinematography and a very layered plot. Peel by peel, layers come out and you are trying to figure out what's happening. The murders, the secrets, the investigation and even just understanding how until in the 80's how the communist countries were having a crackdown at LGBT community. Some may feel that he film moves slow, but Think it was perfect. The setting, the mood and the plot and acting. Everything was spot on. You could feel the pain and struggle of Robert, a young idealist who wants to do the right thing but also understands the limitation of his country. He loves Arek but also can't be openly gay. What would it mean for his family, his parents and he himself! The way he goes investigating the whole thing is amazing and creates some good moments of tension. People like Robert may feel that they are freed of oppression but there is a whole set of people out there who feel otherwise. People may think its a bit cliche to have a straight man question his sexuality after meeting a charming gay man, but look at the film for its gritty mystery and deeper theme of a man struggling to create a life on his own terms.
This film is an absolute must watch for the plot, the story, an amazing lead performance by Robert, his chemistry with Arek and his integrity for his family and see how life may or may not have changed still for LGBT folks in countries like Poland. It is probably still not the smartest decision to make a story like this from Poland, but thanks to Netflix, more and more people worldwide will have an opportunity to watch good cinema. (8.5/10)
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