Demanding that viewers familiarize themselves with the original story’s background—including the life of its author—before watching feels like an unfair imposition on audiences. When a film can't be understood without prior knowledge, it starts at a disadvantage. That’s certainly true of Luca Guadagnino’s adaptation of William S. Burroughs’s 1985 semi-autobiographical novella; it’s a slow-moving, wandering, pretentious, and frequently baffling work that comes across as smug. The story follows William Lee (Daniel Craig), an affluent gay American living in Mexico during the 1950s. He spends much of his time in bars, trying to satisfy constant desires, especially his pursuit of Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), a handsome young man whose sexual orientation is difficult to determine. Once Lee finally attracts Eugene’s attention, they begin an unstable relationship characterized by power struggles over its direction. This turbulent journey takes them from Mexico to Ecuador and eventually into the South American jungle, where they search for plants used in ayahuasca production. The narrative then devolves into a disjointed, absurd collection of dreamlike images and surreal scenes that don’t really connect. It's so strange it becomes comical, making Guadagnino's previous films “Call Me By Your Name” (2017) and “Suspiria” (2018) seem like examples of polished artistry in comparison. The primary problem is a flawed script filled with gaps and unexplained events due to a lack of clarity. On the positive side, the film boasts beautiful and occasionally inventive cinematography, complemented by excellent production design and an unexpectedly appropriate soundtrack. Craig delivers what may be his finest performance yet, showcasing his range and earning him recognition despite the poor quality of the material. The movie also offers Jason Schwartzman a chance for some surprisingly effective comedic moments. However, Starkey’s lackluster acting is a drawback, as is Lesley Manville's unusually weak showing. Films based on Burroughs’s writings are certainly not for everyone, but this latest adaptation demonstrates a clear absence of understanding and insight. It’s best to avoid this one altogether.

Source on TMDB