Holding the Man

A sweepingly romantic adaptation of Timothy Conigrave’s best-selling memoir, an impassioned love letter to his partner, John Caleo.

First published in 1995, Timothy Conigrave’s bestselling memoir was an impassioned love letter to his partner, John Caleo. Following a hugely successful stage adaptation, director Neil Armfield has brought Conigrave’s tale to the screen, with heartrending results. When drama enthusiast Timothy meets rugby player John at the tender age of 15, it’s love at first sight. Battling prejudices both at home and at their local high school, the pair quickly form a bond, embarking on a relationship that forever changes their lives. Navigating their way through the good times and celebrations, the breakups and breakdowns, the couple face their biggest challenge yet when illness unexpectedly threatens to tear them apart.

Ryan Corr and Craig Stott give arresting performances as the iconic lovers, with excellent support provided by a bevvy of acting luminaries, including Guy Pearce, Anthony LaPaglia, Geoffrey Rush and Kerry Fox. Sweeping in its scope, yet devastatingly effective in its intimate details, Holding The Man is a heart-rending account of a relationship that lasted nearly two decades and a tender, romantic testament to the enduring and redemptive powers of love.