Horseplay

As Christmas approaches, Artur gathers his friends at his family’s luxury villa. Away from the everyday responsibilities of home, the young men fill their days with idle chit-chat and afternoon naps, although nothing gives this boisterous bunch more pleasure than playing risqué pranks on one another – mischievously testing the limits of their supposed heterosexuality. But as the games continue, personal boundaries are slowly breached, and soon the innocent high jinks and easy atmosphere give way to growing unease. As with much of his work, director Marco Berger (Plan B, Taekwondo) takes great delight in amplifying the homoerotic undercurrents of male friendships, investing as much time exploring his characters’ toned physiques as he does their motivations. But while the sensory pleasures of Horseplay (Los Agitadores) are immediate, at its heart lies a far more challenging critique of consent, sexual misconduct and toxic masculinity. Screened as part of the Dare strand. “Berger’s film combines great casting and cinematography and accurately portrays the angst of hanging out with a group of straight friends when not out about your own queerness” Ris Fatah, queerguru.com.

LFF digital screenings are not available on the Samsung TV app or via casting from the iOS app.