Weekend is a 2011 romantic drama film directed by Andrew Haigh, starring Tom Cullen and Chris New. The film is about two men who, after a drunken hook-up, grow closer and spend a weekend together full of drugs, sex, and getting to know each other before one of them leaves the country.
The film garnered much critical acclaim upon release, winning several awards and is a part of The Criterion Collection.
Not to be confused for the other film, Weekend (1967).
This movie contains the following tropes
- Armored Closet Gay: Very downplayed, Russell is out to his closest friends but has an apprehension of appearing gay in public and showing affection for Glen in front of strangers.
- Binge Montage: Russell and Glen smoke marijuana, drink, and snort cocaine throughout their weekend together.
- Bittersweet Ending: Despite their feelings for each other, Glen leaves Nottingham for the US and it's very doubtful that the men will ever see each other again. However, Russell and Glen do share one last kiss and they have the memories of the weekend and will never forget each other.
- Book Ends: At the beginning of the film, after their sexual encounter, Russell makes Glen some coffee. Towards the end of them, after their last hookup, it's Glen making Russell coffee.
- Call-Back: Towards the beginning of the film, Glen jokingly mocks Russell for being too self-conscious about being too gay, so much so that he wouldn't bottom during their hookup. Towards the end, after Russell lets his guard down around Glen and starts showing affection towards him, he lets Glen top him during their last sexual encounter.
- Character Development: Both men go through significant growth; Russell gains more confidence and feels more secure with his sexuality, and Glen finally lets himself be vulnerable to express his fears about his future and to get closer to Russell.
- Commitment Issues: Glen "doesn't do boyfriends," which stems from his then-boyfriend John cheating on him, and later John gets bashed in a Homophobic Hate Crime shortly after the relationship ended.
- Conveniently an Orphan: Russell does not know who his parents are and was spent his childhood years in foster care, which goes a long way in explaining his introversion and hesitance be more open about his sexuality: He's had no one other than his close friend to confide in. Touchingly, after their last love-making session, Glen roleplays as Russell's dad so Russell can have a parent to come out to.
- Gay Cruising: Russell goes to a gay bar to drink and look for casual sex. He meets Glen there and they later have sex at Russell's apartment but their relationship deepens from there. Glen also mentions his ex was bashed in a Homophobic Hate Crime while cruising in a public park.
- Gayngst: Downplayed, but present for both men. Russell is semi-closested in public and at work and doesn't feel comfortable being known as gay. Glen is, but in the opposite direction; he's pushing for gay acceptance in society but he still closes himself off from others, especially after his ex was bashed.
- The Loins Sleep Tonight: During their first hookup, Russell lets Glen play with his ass, but doesn't let him top him. Glen interrogates him about his during his interview/art project after their tryst and while not explicitly stated, it's related to Russell's anxiety about being gay and opening up (figurately and literally). Towards the end of the film, after his Character Development, Russell lets Glen top him during their last sexual encounter.
- Male Frontal Nudity: At times, with both men but it's brief.
- Minimalist Cast: There's only 10 named characters, and 8 of them are seen briefly and just for a few scenes. Most of the movie forces on Russell and Glen.
- Race for Your Love: Discussed, lampshaded, mocked (they even mention Notting Hill) and finally heartbreakingly subverted. Towards the end of the film, Russell races towards the train station to see Glen once more before he leaves for Oregon. Sadly, Glen doesn't change his mind and stays, but he and Russell share one last kiss.
- Soapbox Sadie: Glen laments often about heterosexist societal mores (as his flatmate playfully warns Russell about), and he uses his art to push against it, as well as highlight queer male sexuality.
- Straight Gay: Both Russell and Glen; Glen isn't flamboyant but otherwise not afraid of hiding his sexuality.
- Uptight Loves Wild: Russell is drawn to Glen's unapologetically out and proud personality, contrasting with his more reserved nature. Likewise, Glen is drawn to Russell's idea of romance and settling down.
