Weekend (2011) is a tender and introspective romance that unfolds over the course of a single weekend. The film follows Russell (Tom Cullen), a quiet and reserved lifeguard, who spends his Friday night at a club before ending up in a one-night stand with Glen (Chris New), an outspoken and confident artist. What begins as a casual hookup quickly turns into something deeper, as the two men spend the next two days together, engaging in intimate conversations about love, identity, and the challenges of being queer in a heteronormative society. Their connection is immediate but complicatedโRussell is more private about his sexuality, while Glen is unapologetically open and refuses to conform to societal expectations.
As their weekend unfolds, their conversations touch on past relationships, personal insecurities, and their differing views on love and commitment. Russell, who has struggled with fully expressing his identity, is drawn to Glenโs confidence, while Glen challenges Russell to confront his fears about being out in the world. Despite their contrasting personalities, they share moments of genuine affection and vulnerability, from quiet mornings in bed to deep discussions about the meaning of relationships. However, their time together is fleetingโGlen reveals that he is moving to the United States for an art residency, meaning their connection, no matter how profound, has an expiration date.
The looming separation forces them to be brutally honest about their feelings. Russell, who initially saw himself as someone not looking for a relationship, realizes how much he wants to hold onto Glen. Glen, despite his fear of attachment, finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Russellโs sincerity and warmth. Their conversations become more urgent, filled with confessions and regrets about missed opportunities and the struggles of being queer in a world that often overlooks or misunderstands them. The film beautifully captures the fragility of human connection, emphasizing that even the shortest encounters can leave a lasting impact.
As Sunday arrives, Russell accompanies Glen to the train station, where they share a final, bittersweet goodbye. Their last moments together are filled with unspoken emotions, a quiet recognition of what they have shared and what they must now leave behind. Russell, emboldened by his time with Glen, takes a small but significant step in embracing his identityโdeciding to be more open about who he is. The film ends on a poignant note, showing how even the briefest love affairs can change a personโs life in profound ways.
Weekend is a beautifully understated and deeply affecting film about love, identity, and the fleeting nature of human connections. Director Andrew Haigh crafts a raw and authentic portrayal of queer romance, free from melodrama, instead focusing on the small, intimate moments that define relationships. The naturalistic performances of Tom Cullen and Chris New bring an emotional depth that makes their characters' relationship feel both real and deeply moving. The film resonates as a quiet yet powerful exploration of love found in unexpected places, and the bittersweet reality that not all love stories are meant to lastโbut that doesnโt make them any less meaningful.
