Why I took it off the list:

I intended to review a gay romance film for Valentine’s Day but got round to it a little later than intended.

So, let’s dig in!

Review of Barrio Boy (2022)

Barrio Boy tells the story of Quique, a handsome Latino hairdresser who works in a Brooklyn barbershop and engages in macho banter with his fellow barbers and customers.

However, unbeknownst to his “amigos”, Quique is a gay man who spends his nights cruising men on hook-up apps and in bars, essentially leading a double life. He keeps these hook-ups at arm’s length, never allowing himself to get too close.

His 2 worlds start to collide when he meets handsome Irish stranger Kevin (James Physick), who continues to pop up in his life, even ingratiating himself into Quique’s family home via a chance encounter with his mother. The 2 end up dancing salsa together after a family dinner, but things are cut short by the arrival of Cuz (Keet Davis), a menacing presence who doesn’t look too fondly on same-sex romance.

Quique and Kevin eventually hook up, though it’s shot in a dreamy way with out-of-focus shots and extreme close-ups, making you question whether it’s actually happening at all. Still, the next morning Quique is spotted leaving Kevin’s place, leading to Cuz cornering the latter in a series of tense confrontations.

Slight but Engaging Thanks to its Performances

Expanded to a feature from a 2013 short of the same name, Barrio Boy is ultimately a rather slight tale of love and personal discovery that feels a bit stretched out, padded by numerous establishing shots of Brooklyn and its surroundings.

The film can be somewhat meandering at times, getting a bit lost in sub-plots such as Kevin’s early hook-up with a local girl.

Still, it proves to be a mostly engaging watch thanks to its central performances, particularly Dennis Garcia as the protagonist. As Quique, Garcia is both guarded and vulnerable, bringing multiple shades to what could be a one-note character in other hands.

Elsewhere, Pierre Jean Gonzalez gives strong support as Rafa, Quique’s best friend and fellow barber, proving to be a tough yet sympathetic presence.

The romance at the heart of the story is ultimately painted as a being the doomed sort, and there’s little resolution to the relationship, giving the impression of a summer fling that burns out. Still, there’s some closure for Quique’s journey as a character in a final scene where he finally embraces his identity.

Final score: 6/10

Barrio Boy (2022): Worth Watching?

It depends, if you’re looking for some light entertainment, then Barrio Boy could be a good bet. It all feels somewhat slight and meandering, but as a portrait of a character in a specific time and place, it’s effective enough.