WATCH LIST: Queer Characters Shine in “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Skate Kitchen,” and “Insatiable”
In Theaters
This buzzed-about adaptation of Kevin Kwan's novel sees an Asian-American professor, Rachel (Constance Wu) learn that her hunky boyfriend, Nick (Henry Golding), is from a famous and wealthy Singaporean family headed by snooty matriarch (Michelle Yeoh). Openly gay Filipino comedian Nico Santos of NBC's Superstore stars as Nick's gay cousin, Oliver, who takes a kindly shine to Rachel. (August 15, Warner Bros.)
Taking its name and cast from a real life collective of NYC female skateboarders, director Crystal Moselle’s naturalistic drama sees a Long Island runaway, Camille (Rachelle Vinberg), find friendship and legit skate action with a new clique of friends including take-no-crap lesbian Kurt (Nina Moran). Jaden Smith co-stars as Camille’s crush. (August 10, Magnolia)
DVD/Blu-Ray/Video on Demand
Writer/director Ingrid Veninger's touching coming of age drama chronicles the first love between thirteen-year-olds Bea (Charlotte Salisbury) and Kate (Lucinda Armstrong Hall) during a summer in sleepy Northern Ontario. (DVD, Breaking Glass Pictures)
The relationship between couple Andreas (Mike Hoffmann) and Martin (Mathis Reinhart), whose teenage son has grown up and moved out, is revisited as they take an annual trip to the Baltic Coast in this melancholy German drama. (DVD, TLA Releasing)
TV/Streaming
Season three of creator/star Issa Rae's HBO comedy series about a pair of Los Angeles besties, Issa (Rae) and Molly (Yvonne Orji), will tackle the topic of toxic Black masculinity between juggling hunks and careers—and we're hoping that Jean Elis returns as Issa's gay brother, Ahmal. (August 12, HBO)
Talented Cleveland-based vegan home chef David Huffman launched his YouTube cooking show in April, whipping up sinful albeit animal-free mac & cheese, chocolate malt cupcakes, and cinnamon spiced pancakes. His newest episode, premiering August 13, features vegan Sloppy Joes and a side order of sass. (August 13, YouTube)
This OTT Netflix series about a bullied and overweight teenager named Patty (Debby Ryan) who slims down and seeks vengeance on her tormentors, features several LGBTQ characters including BFF Nonnie (Kimmy Shields), who is secretly crushing hard on Patty, but is already dating a woman (Ashley D. Kelly), and Bob (Dallas Roberts), a lawyer-cum-beauty-pageant coach. (August 10, Netflix)
