Gay Alpha v. Gay Beta in a Dark Little Gem of a Movie: “Narcissist”

When you go to see the acclaimed feature, Folsom Forever, at the OTCFF at MOA you’ll have an added treat with a short film on the same bill.

Narcissist centers on a kind and conscientious young gay man named Evan (Hunter Lee Hughes), in a relationship with an emotionally manipulative man named Rob (Brionne Davis). Charismatic Rob has turned seducing and bedding men into a kind of dark art. He lubes up their feelings and parts of their bodies, enters into a controlling short-ish term relationship with them, speaks to their hopes and dreams and then dumps them.

Filmmaker Eric Casaccio has given us a vivid example of a good gay man psychologically raped by a callous gay man. Hughes brings courageous vulnerability to his role as he probes Evan’s crumbling self-esteem as Rob systematically humiliates him at the end of their relationship and beyond.

Davis’s portrayal reflects a stalker mentality that respects few mental limits. His dialogue is subtly chilling and Davis’s understated performance suits it exquisitely.

Narcissist

screening with Folsom

Out Twin Cities Film Festival

Mall of America Theatres