Keep the Lights On

Is it at all possible to be in an impossible relationship for years? In his first transatlantic leading role, Denmark’s openly gay film star Thure Lindhart stars as the filmmaker Erik – a bit of a neurotic brat as well as an idealistic dreamer who has just settled down in New York City. Along with the desired inspiration, the city that really never sleeps brings him a fatal relationship with the lawyer Paul whose being in the closet is the least of his very serious issues. Ira Sachs narrates with lightness that bites deep under the skin about Erik’s years passing in a downward spiral of passion, hurtful responsibility and stubborn efforts to not lose himself completely. This independent, bordering on naturalistic, (melo)drama about an addiction to love ravaged for nine long years by much more prosaic addictions had its world premiere in Sundance Film Festival’s main competition and soon afterward took the Berlinale Teddy Award for Best Queer Feature Film.