A new police drama set in early 1990s New York examines the psychological toll of undercover work targeting gay men in public spaces. The film follows Lucas, a young officer grappling with personal turmoil following his father’s death and a recent breakup, during which he revealed his attraction to men.
Assigned to an entrapment unit monitoring restroom activity at a suburban shopping center, Lucas finds his emotional stability further tested by the nature of his duties. His discomfort is compounded by family gatherings where a vocally prejudiced uncle dominates conversations.
The narrative employs a distinctive visual approach, intercutting Lucas’s anxiety-filled memories with the grainy surveillance footage his team uses to gather evidence. This stylistic choice creates a powerful association between the medium of video and feelings of shame, reflecting Lucas’s internal struggle with his identity.
During his undercover assignment, Lucas develops genuine feelings for Andrew, an older man he’s tasked with arresting. Their connection proves transformative for the young officer, though the relationship proves more meaningful to him than to Andrew, who views their encounters as temporary.
While the film presents a thoughtful exploration of desire and identity, its conclusion introduces a melodramatic plot device involving a misplaced letter that strains credibility, given the circumstances surrounding the characters’ relationship. Despite this narrative misstep, the work offers a compelling look at the personal conflicts arising from institutional practices that many believed had ended in earlier decades.
The film arrives in theaters this October.
