September 30, 2025

Straight (2023) – A Journey of Identity, Desire, and Self-Acceptance
💭 “The truth lies in the places we fear to look.”

Straight (2023) is a deeply resonant and raw exploration of identity, sexual fluidity, and societal expectations. Directed by the visionary filmmaker Lena Cole, the film takes a powerful, unflinching look at the internal battles and emotional turmoil faced by individuals as they navigate their sexuality in a world that demands conformity. With a cast led by Ethan Hawke, Tommy Dorfman, and Jenna Ortega, Straight is not just a gay movie — it is a poignant and provocative meditation on what it means to love and to be loved when you don’t fit into the neat categories society often imposes.

🎯 A Story of Repressed Desires
The film introduces us to Aaron (played by Ethan Hawke), a successful, family-oriented man who is outwardly straight, married to his high-school sweetheart, and living the “American Dream” in a quiet suburban neighborhood. However, Aaron’s life is complicated by his growing attraction to Luke (played by Tommy Dorfman), his charismatic and openly gay colleague who challenges everything Aaron has believed about himself. As Aaron struggles with his own conflicting emotions, he begins to question his marriage, his identity, and the life he’s built on the assumption that heterosexuality is the only valid way to exist.

The plot unfurls as Aaron enters into a tumultuous journey of self-discovery, grappling with his repressed desires and the fear of societal rejection. His attraction to Luke pulls him in directions he never imagined, leading him to confront the truth about his sexuality — a truth that is at once liberating and terrifying.

💔 Navigating the Uncertainty of Love and Identity
One of the film’s most striking aspects is its refusal to simplify the emotional landscape of its characters. Straight avoids reducing its complex exploration of sexuality to a straightforward “coming out” story. Instead, it delves into the gray areas of desire, showing that identity is not always as clear-cut as one might expect. Through Aaron’s inner conflict, the film highlights the pressure of living up to societal expectations of masculinity and heteronormativity, while also emphasizing that true self-acceptance can only come through embracing one’s authentic self.

Tommy Dorfman’s portrayal of Luke is captivating. He is not just the object of Aaron’s desires but a reflection of freedom and self-assurance. His chemistry with Ethan Hawke is palpable, both tender and charged with the weight of unspoken emotions. Dorfman brings depth to Luke, making him not just a love interest but a catalyst for Aaron’s journey toward self-realization.

🎬 A Visual and Emotional Masterpiece
Lena Cole’s direction is masterful. The film’s pacing, while slow at times, is deliberate and creates space for reflection. She allows the characters to breathe and evolve, making each moment feel like a part of a larger, unfolding journey. The cinematography by Rachel McDonald beautifully complements this introspective tone, with muted colors and intimate close-ups that reflect the internal chaos of the characters. Every frame feels intentional, designed to pull the audience into the emotional tension that Aaron is experiencing.

The score, composed by Alex Somers, is hauntingly minimal, underscoring the moments of deep emotional conflict. In scenes where words fail to capture the weight of a moment, the score swoops in to fill the void, giving a voice to the characters’ unspoken pain and yearning.

🔥 Breaking Barriers and Facing Fear
Straight also makes an important cultural statement about the fluidity of sexuality. Rather than focusing solely on the act of coming out, the film emphasizes the personal struggle that comes with questioning one’s identity in a world that prizes labels. Aaron’s journey is a reflection of a larger societal issue — the stigmatization of bisexuality, the rejection of any ambiguity, and the expectation that people should know exactly who they are. Aaron’s hesitations and fears about labeling himself aren’t portrayed as weaknesses, but rather as part of the complicated process of navigating a complex emotional and sexual landscape.

The film doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does leave room for hope. As Aaron begins to accept his feelings for Luke, he is forced to let go of the rigid frameworks that have held him captive. Straight isn’t just about a man coming to terms with his sexual desires — it’s about learning to let go of the fear of judgment and allowing love to take root in its most authentic form, even if it challenges everything you thought you knew about yourself.

🌌 Conclusion: A Journey of Reconciliation and Self-Discovery
Straight (2023) is a powerful exploration of what it means to be human — messy, complicated, and beautifully imperfect. It is a cinematic exploration of sexuality, identity, and the courage it takes to confront one’s own truths. With phenomenal performances by Ethan Hawke and Tommy Dorfman, a direction that masterfully balances tension and release, and a story that resonates on a deeply personal level, Straight is a film that will stick with you long after the credits roll.

This is not just a story about coming out; it is about the journey of understanding oneself in a world that constantly asks you to fit into predefined boxes. Straight is a reminder that the path to self-acceptance is not linear, and sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is embrace the unknown parts of ourselves.

⭐ Rating: 9.5/10
🎬 A must-watch for those seeking a fresh, honest, and thought-provoking take on identity, love, and personal growth.