Drown
Drown
In the cloistered world of competitive surf-lifesaving, an Australian hero is de-throned as the reigning champion by a younger, gay competitor. He embarks on a campaign of intimidation and bullying against the newcomer but is forced to confront his own repressed homoerotic desire. A booze-fueled night out brings jealousy, homophobic fear and unrequited lust to a tragic and shocking climax.
Stephen Dhondt reviewedJune 8, 2025
A poorly written exploration of repressed homosexuality and toxic masculinity, among other gay horrors.
The acting doesn’t go above soap opera level and the film itself is downright ugly as it amateurishly tries to conjure up an artsy vibe. I also don’t understand what was up with the jumpy narrative and manic editing.
In short: a lot of hunky men in speedos and I still hated this. That’s a massive shame.