This film differs from Brokeback Mountain in that Johnny and Gheorghe’s love isn’t inhibited by the character’s respective wives or crushing internalised homophobia – Johnny is established as attracted to men from early on. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw called it “almost – but not quite – a Dales Brokeback,” similar in its poignant tone, though with a different context. Related: Jake Gyllenhaal thinks Hollywood is getting more gay-friendly
The film has been compared to Brokeback Mountain, the 2005 film starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as shepherds in the American West, who fall in love in the 1960s. The Metro called it “a ravishing film that brings a poetic beauty to a harsh environment, and the characters are fascinatingly complex”.
It is Secareanu’s first English-language role. Johnny is played by Josh O’Connor from Riot Club and Peaky Blinders, and Gheorghe by Alex Secareanu.
