The A24 period drama Queer (2024) has received its release date for streaming. Director Luca Guadagnino’s latest romance marks his second collaboration with Challengers writer Justin Kuritzkes as the two adapt William S. Burroughs’ 1985 novella of the same name for the big screen. Set during the 1950s in Mexico City, the film follows disillusioned American expat William Lee (Daniel Craig) as he embarks on a whirlwind infatuation with the much younger Eugen Allerton (Drew Starkey). The Queer cast also features Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, Henrique Zaga, and Omar Apollo.

Now, Max has revealed Queer will be gracing the small screens on the streaming platform exclusively starting Friday, March 28. Craig’s performance in A24’s romance drama earned him several award nominations, but narrowly missed securing the James Bond actor his first Best Actor Oscar nomination. Overall, Queer failed to receive any awards at the 97th Academy Awards.

What Queer’s Streaming Release Date Means

Guadagnino’s Latest Can Find Newfound Appreciation

Following his reprisal of Detective Blanc in Glᴀss Onion, the A24 romance is Craig’s second film since his tenure ended as Bond in No Time to Die (2021). Queer received positive reviews from audiences and critics alike, with many noting Craig’s vulnerable performance as a highlight of the film’s surrealist dive into desire. In a review of Queer, Screen Rant‘s Alex Harrison wrote “self-loathing courses beneath Craig’s performance” as the lovesick Lee stands “among his best.” Craig’s work in Queer did not go unnoticed, with nominations from the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

With several powerhouse performances in consideration for Best Actor, it’s possible that Craig’s performance was simply overshadowed by actors who have received most of the Oscar buzz. Queer‘s snub may also point to a larger trend within Academy voters, who have disregarded the erotic in recent years, as seen with Babygirl and Challengers. Yet,Guadagnino’s arguably more controversial romance, Call Me By Your Name (2017), received several nominations at the 90th Academy Awards, and won Best Adapted Screenplay. Queer’s streaming release on Max is a second chance for the film and for Craig’s work to find an even wider audience.

Our Take On Queer’s Streaming Release Date

Craig’s Oscar Snub Can’t Diminish His Boldest Role Yet

While Craig is overdue for a Best Actor nomination, Queer proves that he’s unafraid to push boundaries and redefine his post-James Bond legacy. His performance is layered—imbued with longing, self-destruction, and an aching vulnerability. The fact that Craig received major award nominations but was ultimately left out of the Oscar race perhaps speaks more to the Academy’s ongoing reluctance to embrace explicitly queer and erotically charged films than to any shortcoming in his acting. As a fan of both Guadagnino and Craig, I’m excited that I’ll be able to watch Queer from the comfort of home soon.

Source: Max