Beauty

Oliver Hermanus' unblinking look at homophobia, hypocrisy and repressed desire in today's South Africa is tough, troubling and impressive

Oliver Hermanus’ drama takes a tough, uncompromising look at homophobic prejudice in South Africa, focusing on a husband and father whose repressed desires come dangerously to the surface when he encounters the good-looking son of an old friend. With compositions that reflect his often voyeuristic relationship to others, and a forthright narrative style, the film is both unsettling and impressive