Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey discuss intimate scenes in Luca Guadagnino's 'Queer'

Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey, who star as a gay couple in Luca Guadagnino’s highly anticipated Queer, recently opened up about the intimate scenes in the film. Set to release on November 27, Queer has already sparked controversy, with the Turkish government banning it over concerns that its provocative content might "endanger public peace." However, the film’s leads do not agree with this sentiment, focusing instead on the deeper emotional connections their characters share.

Craig, speaking to Entertainment Weekly, addressed the film’s intimate moments: “I feel like the physical act is the least interesting thing. We’re all grownups. This is what people do. But what’s interesting—and what I think hopefully works about the scenes—is the emotional journey of each character.” Craig’s comment reflects the movie’s underlying theme of emotional exploration, rather than just physicality.

The film, based on William S. Burroughs' unfinished novella, takes place in 1950s Mexico City. Craig plays Lee, an American expatriate who recounts his life among students and bar owners, while becoming captivated by Eugene (Starkey), a young man exploring his sexuality. The characters embark on a journey across Latin America in search of yagé, a powerful drug.

Starkey emphasized that the film’s intimate scenes weren’t meant to be provocative for shock value. "It’s just a representation of reality. It’s two people; this is the way it works," he said, highlighting the authenticity behind the depiction. Both Starkey and Craig worked closely with Guadagnino to ensure that the scenes were portrayed with love and truth, reinforcing the film’s emotional core.

While Queer explores its bold subject matter, it aims to showcase the deep, genuine connection between the two leads. The film’s release promises to be a milestone in how queer relationships are represented in mainstream cinema, with a focus on vulnerability and emotional depth.