Straight (2023) is a daring, emotionally charged drama that explores the tangled intersections of identity, love, and self-acceptance. Set against the vibrant backdrop of a bustling urban landscape, the film captures the intimate struggles of those living between the lines of societal expectations and personal truth.
The story centers on Alex Carter, a rising star in the corporate world, who has built a life defined by success, discipline, and a carefully guarded secret. Engaged to his longtime girlfriend and on the cusp of a major promotion, Alex seems to have it all — until an unexpected encounter with charismatic artist Jordan breaks open a part of himself he has fought to bury.
As Alex is drawn deeper into Jordan's world of unapologetic authenticity, he finds himself torn between the life he has constructed and the life he secretly craves. The connection between the two men grows increasingly magnetic, leading Alex into a spiral of self-discovery, temptation, and emotional conflict.
The film masterfully portrays Alex’s internal struggle, balancing moments of quiet introspection with scenes of raw, explosive emotion. Every glance, every hesitation, and every unspoken word is laden with tension, capturing the high stakes of living a life that feels out of alignment with one’s true self.
The supporting characters — including Alex’s fiancée, who slowly senses the shifting ground beneath their relationship — add layers of complexity to the narrative. Each character is written with empathy, highlighting the ripple effects that personal revelations can have on everyone involved.
Director Lena Hart crafts Straight with a careful hand, using stunning cinematography to mirror Alex’s emotional journey. The bustling, cold architecture of the city contrasts with the warm, chaotic vibrancy of Jordan’s art scene, visually echoing the battle between conformity and freedom that rages within Alex.
The film doesn’t offer easy answers or neat resolutions; instead, it embraces the messy, painful beauty of transformation. It invites viewers to sit with discomfort, to question what it means to live authentically, and to find courage in the gray areas of life.
Straight is a bold, tender, and unforgettable exploration of the lies we tell ourselves — and the liberation that comes when we finally dare to speak the truth.
