Bold New Role

Former James Bond actor Daniel Craig is drawing attention for his latest role in Queer, a new film from acclaimed director Luca Guadagnino, known for Call Me By Your Name and Challengers. In the film, based on William Burroughs’ novella, Craig portrays William Lee, a troubled American expat navigating life in Mexico City. His character, who scrapes by on odd jobs and army benefits, becomes fixated on a younger man played by Drew Starkey. The film, which premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, is already generating buzz for its bold storytelling and boundary-pushing scenes.

Craig has opened up about his career's more challenging moments filming intimate scenes, noting that, in some past roles, “terrible love scenes” missed the mark of authenticity. Reflecting on what makes intimate moments believable on screen, he shared, “You need a director who has a sensitivity… to make it as real as possible.” Craig praised Guadagnino’s careful approach to handling such scenes, emphasizing that authenticity in film depends on a director’s ability to cultivate a safe, honest environment for the actors.

Craig and Starkey have both defended the film’s daring portrayal of sexuality. Starkey addressed the anticipated reactions to Queer’s graphic scenes, suggesting that audiences have become desensitized through digital media, and that the film “came from a loving place that’s so much deeper than abrupt images.” Both actors seem fully committed to Guadagnino’s vision, one that favors a raw and genuine exploration of desire.

Critics have lauded Craig’s performance in Queer, with The Independent’s Geoffrey McNab calling it one of his most compelling portrayals. As awards season approaches, there’s already talk that Craig’s nuanced depiction of the dapper, self-destructive author may be a standout performance, one that leaves audiences “shaken and stirred.”