W2TCH

Departures (2025)

2025 • 1h 22m • Drama, Comedy
On September 24, 2026
#50158▼ 5140
50158th by Pulse movie online
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CinemaSerf on Departures

6/10 · Apr 24, 2026

This narrative unfolds as a deeply affecting recollection, detailing the story of two men, "Benji" (Lloyd Eyre-Morgan) and "Jake" (David Tag), whose flight is disrupted, leading them into conversation at the airport. One is an openly gay man struggling financially and living with his mother; the other is a successful, heterosexual personal trainer working with professional football players in Northwest England. They quickly move from casual talk to drinking and revealing vulnerabilities about their lives. The understanding between them stipulates encounters only in Amsterdam and a strict avoidance of emotional attachment. "Jake" readily covers the expenses, and for a time, this arrangement seems sustainable; however, one person's needs soon begin to overshadow the other’s, and as lies and deception enter the picture, the situation becomes difficult to endure. Is there any possibility of a future for them? My main reservation stems from the unlikelihood of the central idea. The notion that people could consistently meet up and expect their connection to remain superficial felt unrealistic. What did resonate more strongly was the evolution of the power dynamic between the two men. Initially, "Benji" seems aware that he's in a fortunate position, and his companion doesn’t actively correct this impression. As their friendship develops, there's a noticeable change in how they interact, and with some sharp, witty lines and an Eyre-Morgan who appears completely committed to his role, the film gains vibrancy during a particularly engaging stretch. Unfortunately, melodrama isn't far away, and as it progresses toward its end, it takes over somewhat predictably, even tragically, before perhaps presenting both men (and the audience) with a small measure of optimism that things will improve. There’s an undeniable sense of authenticity to much of this, attributable to some perceptive writing and Eyre-Morgan's strong performance; while it isn't a brilliant film, it represents another dependable contribution to gay cinema, one that is increasingly focused on telling worthwhile stories about men rather than solely emphasizing their sexuality.

Source on TMDB