Parting Glances

On the surface, Sherwood's first feature looks like the Gay Yuppie Movie it was rumoured to be. Its beautiful characters inhabit covetable NY apartments and lofts, and Fire Island and the Area club are on their social circuit. Yet crucially they lack the cocaine-charged solipsism which renders such things Yuppoid. Sherwood brings a notable grace and droll humour to his story of two male lovers parting against the backdrop of a friend dying of Aids. At times it errs towards MGM production values, but it has a tenderness, warmth, humour and, despite its subject, a lightness of heart that will win it many friends. The romantic close stretches belief, but it's a film of subtle and elegant musicality.