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Queer (film)

Queer is a 2024 period romantic drama film directed by Luca Guadagnino and written by Justin Kuritzkes, based on William S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Queer is a 2024 period romantic drama film directed by Luca Guadagnino and written by Justin Kuritzkes, based on William S. Burroughs’s 1985 novella of the same name. The film stars Daniel Craig as an American expatriate in 1950s Mexico City who becomes infatuated with a younger man, played by Drew Starkey. It premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival and was released in the United States by A24.

Plot

The film follows an outcast American expatriate in 1950s Mexico City who becomes infatuated with a much younger man. The narrative draws from Burroughs’s novella and places the characters in an expatriate and travel setting that extends to Ecuador.

Production

Queer was directed by Luca Guadagnino from a screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes. It adapts the 1985 novella by William S. Burroughs and was presented on-screen as William S. Burroughs' Queer.

Cast

The principal cast includes Daniel Craig, Drew Starkey, Jason Schwartzman, Henry Zaga, and Lesley Manville. Craig’s role is the film’s central performance, with Starkey portraying the younger love interest.

Release

The film premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2024, where it competed for the Golden Lion. It later received a limited U.S. release on November 27, 2024, followed by a nationwide release on December 13, 2024.

Key facts

  • Queer is a 2024 period romantic drama adapted from William S. Burroughs’s novella.
  • The film was directed by Luca Guadagnino and written by Justin Kuritzkes.
  • Daniel Craig plays the lead role of an American expatriate; Drew Starkey co-stars as the younger man he desires.
  • The story is set in 1950s Mexico City and Ecuador.
  • The film premiered in competition at the 81st Venice International Film Festival.
  • A24 handled the United States theatrical release.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter the film through international festival coverage and streaming or theatrical releases in Canada, but no Canada-specific production or setting connection is indicated in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is Queer (film) about?
It is a romantic drama about an American expatriate in 1950s Mexico City who becomes infatuated with a younger man.
Who directed Queer?
Queer was directed by Luca Guadagnino.
What is Queer based on?
It is based on William S. Burroughs’s 1985 novella Queer.
When did Queer premiere?
It premiered on September 3, 2024, at the Venice International Film Festival.
Who stars in Queer?
The cast includes Daniel Craig, Drew Starkey, Jason Schwartzman, Henry Zaga, and Lesley Manville.
Who released Queer in the United States?
A24 handled its U.S. theatrical release.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queer_(film)
    Supports: Basic film identification, director, writer, source novella, cast, setting, Venice premiere, and U.S. release dates.
  2. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/queer-daniel-craig-luca-guadagnino-film-review
    Supports: Describes the film’s premise and setting in Mexico City circa 1954.