Were it the first film of its kind — the coming out of a congenial gay teenager — and made 30-some years ago, “Dorian Blues” wouldn’t seem so much like a remake of a remake of a … By chance, I happened to see it back-to-back with the forthcoming “Loggerheads,” which has so many similarities it’s as if the filmmakers were given the same class assignment and did variations on a theme. Dorian Lagatos (Michael McMillian), a high school senior of Catholic background in Utica, N.Y., introduces himself to us as a “stereotypical gay.” He resolves to “out” himself with family members and counselors. Brother Nicky (Lea Coco), who’s younger by one year and a prominent heterosexual school football star, freaks out for 15 minutes and then resumes being Dorian’s confidant and defender. Maria (Mo Quigley), their mother, is stereotypically dippy — a Yes-dear-but-don’t-upset-your-father type. Tom (Steven C. Fletcher), the stereotypical straight conservative father and Nicky’s No. 1 supporter, barks at Dorian: “This is some fantasy you cooked up to feel eccentric. … There’s a world of difference between being eccentric and being perverted.” In the film’s simplistic scheme, we know we’re supposed to find Tom ridiculous and possibly even evil because he’s not only a Republican but a militaristic and Nixonian one. A priest (Carl Dana) advises prayer and a concerted effort to be straight, which is meaningless to Dorian. The film is more sympathetic to people Dorian meets at New York University, including friend Ellie (Sian Heder), who is gay, Jewish and anti-pope. The main problem with “Dorian Blues,” as written and directed by Tennyson Bardwell, is that it betrays its rigid adherence to political correctness — who and what is treated sympathetically and who and what is subjected to mockery. It plays to the choir to the exclusion of any meaningful realities like those broached in “Philadelphia,” wherein Denzel Washington’s heterosexual character was intolerant by reflex and still compassionate. “Dorian Blues” betrays an intolerance of its own.

At the Harris, Downtown. Additional Information: Details

”Dorian Blues’ Unrated but PG-13 in nature for mature content;

---

Copyright ©2026— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)

---