Query

By: Dana Jacoviello

The film Query by Sophie Kargman is a short film that at first sight you would think is not worth the watch or might not compelling at all. People who need to be drawn in very quickly to a film need to give this time to play out, as I had to. One would think the main cast being two men, Justice Smith (Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom, Pokeman Detective Pikachu) and Graham Patrick Martin (“Major Crimes, “Catch-22”), makes the movie male driven, especially when considering the fact it is about them in different domestic settings as roommates challenging each other’s options on sexuality. However, t is definitely not. There is no gender bias here, despite the first look. In fact, it is definitely worth the wait until you get to the end.

The two main characters Jay (Smith) and Alex (Martin) basically hold a goofy and fairly intellectual conversation about homosexuality, labels and women. It is quite amusing to see the banter back and forth while watching as if you are involved in their perspectives. You are invested in how this will turn out or what twist it can possibly have. Both Jay and Alex identify as straight, but after passing time by day drinking the two decide to kiss. Is there a point one of them is trying to prove over the other or is it mainly just curiosity?

Query was simply done, but to the point which is fitting for the title. There are no fancy shots or angles to be seen that add anything special to the story. The tale just is a very straight line of what you would expect in watching two people discuss various passionate topics.

Martin and Smith are very natural in their performance to where you feel comfortable. Their friendship has a flow to it that is not forced. Unfortunately, there is no real major plot except the outcome of their thoughts. When you get towards the end, it definitely hits a higher note of moving towards the edge of your seat to listen closer and see what is about to take place. It definitely gives you that shock factor most look for in any film. Oh, and keep an eye out for a jogging Armie Hammer.

I would say watch Query for the amusement and wait for the ending. It is worth listening to this somewhat calm, but passionate conversation between two roommates. Think of it as watching yourself and a friend having a chat that will end intensely. Knowing most storytelling has to grip an audience from the get go, the movie might leave some hesitant to watch all the way through. However, it can also lead them to be interested to see where it actually goes. Sometimes we must watch a movie all the way through just to get to that “OMG” factor that leaves you wondering what happened.