Queer trailer: In Mexico City, Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey enchant each other’s bodies, souls

Queer trailer: “A wise old queen taught me that I had a duty to live. You know, to conquer hate with knowledge and sincerity and love. The difficulty is to convince someone else he is really part of you,” says William Lee (portrayed by Daniel Craig) as he exchanges intense glances with Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey) in several moments. The first trailer for the eagerly anticipated historical romance drama Queer is out, giving audiences a glimpse of how director Luca Guadagnino, — known for helming Challengers (2024), Suspiria (2018) and Call Me by Your Name (2017) — and screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes have adapted William S Burroughs’ 1985 novel of the same title into a film.

Queer is a semi-autobiographical novel by Burroughs set in 1940s Mexico City. It follows Lee, an American expatriate living largely in isolation among American students and bar owners, as he becomes infatuated with Allerton, a former American Navy serviceman. Though initially indifferent to Lee’s advances, Allerton, who is a drug user as well, eventually becomes involved with him.

Watch Daniel Craig’s Queer trailer here:

The trailer then delves deeper into their relationship, portraying Lee’s struggle to hold on to what he loves despite societal biases. “I want to talk to you; without speaking,” he tells Allerton as the trailer shows them slowly slithering into each other’s bodies and souls. Queer also stars Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, Henrique Zaga and Omar Apollo in key roles. The movie is produced jointly by Frenesy Film Company, The Apartment Pictures and Fremantle North America.

Queer boasts music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, cinematography by Sayombhu Mukdeeprom and editing by Marco Costa. It had its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival last month, competing for both the Golden Lion and Queer Lion awards.

Queer is set for a theatrical release on November 27.