

1985
Having been gone for three years, closeted advertising executive Adrian returns to his Texas hometown and struggles to reveal his dire circumstances to his conservative family.
Insights
Plot Summary
In 1985, Adrian, a young Cuban-American, returns to his childhood home in the suburbs of New Jersey after years away. He is confronted by his conservative parents and his estranged older brother, Andrew, who are unaware of his homosexuality and his HIV-positive status. The film explores the strained family dynamics and Adrian's struggle to come to terms with his identity and their expectations.
Critical Reception
1985 received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its sensitive portrayal of a difficult subject matter and the performances of its cast, particularly Scott Myers. The film was noted for its quiet, contemplative tone and its exploration of themes of familial love, societal prejudice, and the AIDS crisis in the 1980s.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its quiet, character-driven narrative.
- Commended for its sensitive and nuanced exploration of the AIDS crisis and family dynamics.
- Performances, particularly from the lead, were highlighted as strong.
Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's emotional depth and its honest depiction of a family grappling with difficult truths during a challenging time. Many found it to be a moving and thought-provoking drama, though some wished for a more overt resolution.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the SXSW Film Festival.
Fun Fact
Director Yen Tan drew inspiration for the film from personal experiences and the broader impact of the AIDS epidemic on families in the 1980s.
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