What Queer Films Are Coming Out in 2024? Here's a Preview

Frank J. Avella READ TIME: 12 MIN.

"Problemista"

Julio Torres' directorial debut, "Problemista," played a number of queer festivals last year before the double strikes led to the decision to postpone the release until 2024. The film centers on a guy who is trying to pitch his ideas to Hasbro, and examines themes like immigration, white privilege, and the politics inherent in the art world. Torres, an out former SNL writer, who also wrote and stars in the film, is said to have a quirky and original style. Tilda Swinton goes all in as an art critic.

"Problemista" opens in theaters March 1, 2024.

"Love Lies Bleeding"

Rose Glass' ("Saint Maud") sophomore feature "Love Lies Bleeding" is a wacky, spirited lesbian love story/dark family thriller. This bold slice of Americana made quite the splash at this year's Sundance Film Festival and stars Kristen Stewart and Katy O'Brian. Stewart keeps making impressive and daring choices and this one is sure to be a conversation starter.

"Love Lies Bleeding" opens in theaters on March 8, 2024.

"Femme"

In the provocative neo-noir feature, "Femme," drag artist Jules (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) is brutally assaulted by a chillingly homophobic man (scarily embodied by "1917's" George MacKay). Jules recovers physically but the trauma remains. A while later he sees his attacker at a gay sauna, approaches him and begins a bizarre affair with him, plotting his revenge. Written and directed by Sam H. Freeman & NG Choon Ping, "Femme" is a fascinating film, sure to inspire dialogue and debate.

"Femme" opens in theaters on March 22, 2024.

"Challengers"

Another film that was set to open in 2023 but was pushed because of the strikes is Luca Guadagnino's "Challengers." The film stars Zendaya, Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist in some sort of love triangle. The director has been cagey, hinting at queer spin, but not being forthcoming about it. The film takes place in the world of pro tennis and was written by Justin Kuritzkes, who adapted the William S. Burroughs novel, "Queer," for the screen (see below), also directed by Guadagnino.

"Challengers" opens in theaters on April 26, 2024.

"Wicked"

Besides having out gay stars like Jonathan Bailey ("Fellow Travelers") and Bowen Yang ("SNL") in the cast, John M. Chu's film version of the smash Broadway musical, "Wicked," is queer simply because. I mean, it's a prequel to the beloved "Wizard of Oz," focuses on someone so different they're ostracized from society, and stars icons like Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Michelle Yeoh. Can things get any gayer? This is the first of two parts. The second is set to bow in November of 2025.

"Wicked" will open in theaters on Nov 27, 2024.

"National Anthem"

Plus Look for These Titles

In addition to the above, the following highly anticipated films are awaiting release dates:

Daniel Minahan's "On Swift Horses" where Diego Calva ("Babylon") and Jacob Elordi play lovers.

Luke Gilford's terrific "National Anthem" starring Charlie Plumber ("Lean on Pete") as a young man who joins a community of queer rodeo performers and discovers his own bent nature.

Oliver Hermanus's queer WW2 love story "The History of Sound," featuring Josh O'Connor (God's Own Country") and Paul Mescal ("All of Us Strangers"), getting their gay on once again.

Hannah Pearl Utt's "Cora Bora" with Megan Stalter as the messy millennial title character.

Andrew Durham's "Fairyland," a 1970s-set film about a poet and activist (Scoot McNairy) who comes out. The film co-stars Emilia Jones, Geena Davis, Cody Fern and Adam Lambert.

Luca Guadagnino's "Queer," based on William S. Burroughs' 1940s-set novel starring Daniel Craig who gets hot and heavy with Drew Starkey ("Love Simon").

Colby Holt and Sam Probst's LGBTQ+ thriller, "Ganymede," with Jordan Doww and Pablo Castelblanco.

Theda Hammel's hilarious "Stress Positions" will be released by Neon this year and features an impressive turn by model Qaher Harhash.


by Frank J. Avella

Frank J. Avella is a proud EDGE and Awards Daily contributor. He serves as the GALECA Industry Liaison and is a Member of the New York Film Critics Online. His award-winning short film, FIG JAM, has shown in Festivals worldwide (figjamfilm.com). Frank's screenplays have won numerous awards in 17 countries. Recently produced plays include LURED & VATICAL FALLS, both O'Neill semifinalists. He is currently working on a highly personal project, FROCI, about the queer Italian/Italian-American experience. He is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild. https://filmfreeway.com/FrankAvella https://muckrack.com/fjaklute

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