Lately, there have been more and more LGBT-centric films out in theaters and on streaming. Bros, Fire Island, and Spoiler Alert come to mind. Down Low might be the weirdest of these types of films. It premiered at this past March’s SXSW Film Festival to mild acclaim, and It’s not exactly what I thought going in which is a pleasant surprise. I love being surprised when I watch a movie I didn’t know anything about going in.

Gary (Zachary Quinto) is a nan who is getting a massage from a male masseuse. Corey which is his working name, or Cameron (Lukas Cage) which is his real name, is the said masseuse. These two start in a bit of an awkward scenario until they get to know each other more. Once they get to know each other they realize they need each other. One needs the other because he’s coming off of a breakup and the other needs the other one because he’s a bit impetuous. And needs someone to rein him in.

These two have secrets they are keeping until they start talking to each other. One has an inoperable brain tumor and the other left home at an early age because his father couldn’t accept he was gay. Once they hit it off they decide to get on a dating app and get a man to come over so they can have sex with him. Things don’t exactly work out the way they thought and mayhem ensues for the pair.

This is one of the funniest films I’ve seen all year. The banter between Quinto and Gage is hilarious. It’s like these two have been working together for years. The gay humor is off the charts and something I liked quite a bit was all the references to television shows like Sex in the City and movies. This shows me the writers know their stuff and can wink at the audience watching. They know who they are writing this film for. A side character, Sandy (Judith Light) the nosey neighbor had me cracking up as well.

The direction, Rightor Doyle, and cinematography, by Nate Hurtsellers, go hand in hand in this movie. It’s mainly set in one location. Quinto’s character’s house is spacious and very lavish and nice. How the director uses the house as a character is very interesting. The camera work gets these people in all kinds of compromising positions. Especially when the neighbor comes over. And another supporting character who is a cleaner if you will played by Simon Rex (Red Rocket).

Even though I touched on the writing, by Phoebe Fisher and Cage, already I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention it again. The dialogue is very dirty at times. There is a lot of dirty sex talk and vulgar language which in this case works. These characters are involved in some nasty business and the funny yet vulgar dialogue plays right into all of that. The same goes for drug talk and dating stuff. This is a fantastic script geared toward people who can relate to this world of gay relationships. 

There is a song I quite liked I hadn’t heard of before in this film called Higher featuring Alex Newell. Even though I know it’s about two people who get loved, I couldn’t help but enjoy it both during the film and in the credits. Also, the score by Adam Crystal was very different from anything I’ve heard in a while. There were a lot of drums and odd instrumental sounds throughout the film. This played into the odd nature of the story.

Down Low tells a very funny story about a man who is self-loathing and another man who is envious of that man. It has plenty of gay dialogue and humor to go along with it. The two main characters played by Quinto and Gage are perfectly cast opposite each other. I couldn’t imagine two people better for these roles. Also, the supporting cast was very funny as well. The direction and cinematography played into the story perfectly. The LGBT-centric story was quite enjoyable and didn’t take itself too seriously. 

Watched Virtualy at Outfest 2023

3 ½ stars

Dan Skip Allen