The Boys in the Band

R

2020

2 hr. 2 min.

Drama

LGBTQ+

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List

84%

102 Reviews

Tomatometer

74%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

A visitor turns an evening upside down when he interrupts a gathering of gay men in New York City in 1968.

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Critics Consensus

The Boys in the Band brings the classic stage play back to the screen with a well-acted adaptation containing surprising -- and poignant -- modern relevance.

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Jeff M

This is a surprisingly strong adaptation of the 1968 stage play which became a 1970 film and had a 2018 Broadway revival. This film actually retains the entire cast from the revival, and while that doesn't always translate successfully, it works beautifully here and the cast has an obvious connection with one another and an understanding of the material. With the exception of one. I had a lot of problems with Parsons in the lead role. It's a very complicated and difficult character, one could almost describe him as venomous, but Parsons feels restricted and one-note. Kudos to everyone else, many of whom have to toe the line between flamboyance and realism. The middle section of this movie in which many of the characters partake in a the worst party game of all time is extraordinarily powerful and sometimes almost too difficult to watch. Although 90% of the movie takes place in one apartment, I never felt claustrophobic, and even when the dialogue does feel a bit scripted rather than natural, the actors pull it off quite well. I was shocked how much I appreciated this movie and am anxious to see the 1970 version and make some comparisons.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/11/24

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Daniel Alberto D

The movie is very deep and funny, it pays good tribute to the original work. I recommend it if you want to have a good time. I would definitely see her again.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/08/23

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Michael K

An okay story but with some plot holes. Not the least of which, how are these people even "friends"? They seem to despise each other. I get being playfully catty with each other but it comes off as pure hatred most of the time.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/14/23

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Aliyah K

Something about this movie just keeps bringing me back to it, full of incredible performances.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/20/23

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PridePosterStudios

The MOST sudden genre shift from comedy to drama…went from laughing out loud to gloomily looking at how long was left.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

04/26/24

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Timothy D

The Boys in the Band is marked with cutting dialog and immense passion. This play turned movie explores love, guilt, and acceptance like no other. Its fierce diolog dissects the heart and leaves only what matters hanging out. And that's a beautiful thing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/13/23

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Joe Mantello

Director

Jim Parsons

Michael

Zachary Quinto

Harold

Matt Bomer

Donald

Andrew Rannells

Larry

Charlie Carver

Cowboy

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Know Your Critic: Clarisse Loughrey, Chief Film Critic at The Independent

The Boys in the Band: Trailer 1

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Tim Robey

Daily Telegraph (UK)

This feels like Netflix redoing it decently enough, with slick clothes and better catering, because they might as well.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 20, 2020

Full Review

Clarisse Loughrey

Independent (UK)

Despite its origins, Mantello's film still feels like another shiny, highly consumable product of what could be called "the Murphyverse".

Rated: 3/5

Nov 12, 2020

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K. Austin Collins

Rolling Stone

The Boys in the Band isn't always good, but it's a good time.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 23, 2020

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Manuel São Bento

MSB Reviews

Yes, it's a movie that focuses on homosexuality and sexual orientation. However, it never feels exclusive to LGTBQ+ viewers, much on the contrary. It transmits a general message of acceptance and self-worth, something everyone can connect with.

Rated: B+

Jul 24, 2023

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Patrick McDonald

HollywoodChicago.com

It's interesting to compare this to the 1968/1970 stage play & film, because both casts reprise their roles from the stage ... the modern cast are out gay men as opposed to their closeted forebears, thus the pain & angst performed is more exposed. Pride!

Rated: 4/5

Jun 22, 2023

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Amy Thomasson

InSession Film

This movie completely lived up to my high expectations. It was stylish, with great costumes, catchy music, and phenomenal acting.

Rated: A

Apr 25, 2023

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Synopsis

A visitor turns an evening upside down when he interrupts a gathering of gay men in New York City in 1968.

Director: Joe Mantello
Executive Producer: Eric Kovtun
Screenwriter: Mart Crowley, Ned Martel
Production Co: Ryan Murphy Productions
Rating: R (Some Graphic Nudity|Drug Use|Sexual Content|Language)
Genre: Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 30, 2020
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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