Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey’s stirring performance in Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Queer’ earns 9-Minute ovation at Venice Film Festival

Craig, blowing kisses to the audience, was met with proud smiles from his wife, Rachel Weisz. The highlight came when Craig and co-star Drew Starkey shared a celebratory hug, triggering another wave of cheers from the audience.

Notably, acclaimed director Pedro Almodóvar, whose film “The Room Next Door” had received the festival’s longest ovation at 17 minutes, was present to congratulate the cast and crew.

“Queer” is adapted from the 1985 novel by William S. Burroughs and follows Lee (Craig), an isolated American living in Mexico City, whose life is transformed after meeting Eugene Allerton (Starkey), a young student.

Their relationship, initially portrayed as a typical romantic connection, soon takes a surreal turn, blending elements of hallucination and imagination reminiscent of Guadagnino’s work in “Suspiria” rather than his romantic drama “Call Me by Your Name.” While a few viewers walked out during an earlier press screening, the premiere audience was fully engaged, staying until the final moments.

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The screenplay, written by Justin Kuritzkes, features an ensemble cast including Jason Schwartzman, Lesley Manville, and Henry Zaga. “Queer” marks Craig’s first appearance at the Venice Film Festival, though he is no stranger to the city, having filmed scenes for “Casino Royale” there.

For Starkey, a relative newcomer, this role may well be a career breakthrough. Guadagnino, a Venice veteran, has a storied history at the festival, premiering numerous films over the years, including the acclaimed “Bones and All” in 2022.