Why The Critics Are So Mesmerized By Sequin in a Blue Room

In the intricate, dazzling realm of queer cinema, "Sequin in a Blue Room" asserts itself as a daring yet sensitive exploration of sexual self-discovery, digital identity, and anonymity.

The Australian indie drama, directed by Samuel Van Grinsven, orbits around its titular character, Sequin (remarkably portrayed by newcomer Conor Leach), a 16-year-old boy coming to grips with his sexual identity and place within the often illusive world of online hook-ups.

His chosen moniker derives from a sequined blue top he wears for his encounters, the same top he discards after each one, in the spirit of shedding a skin and upholding his anonymity.

Sequin's emotional journey is anything but ordinary, more so in its complicated portrayal of the LGBTQ+ realm, often mired in tropes of tragedy or unbridled festivity. The narrative subverts expectations, and it's this disarrayed, raw, and sometimes disturbing dichotomy that forms the spine of the movie.

The film's title, 'Sequin in a Blue Room', functions as a double entendre. It’s a metaphorical reference to Sequin's outfit of choice and his online alias, and the “Blue Room,” an underground all-male orgy, the setting for a pivotal, adrenaline-spiked scene that sets the stage for Sequin's most challenging yet revealing encounter.

Van Grinsven employs the neon-lit, glossy, and often cold visual aesthetics as an allegory for the digital spaces that Sequin navigates. The crisp cinematography by Jay Grant captures these varied shades of blue and purple in the backdrop of Sequin's world, reflecting his fears, desires, and sense of alienation.

Sequin's exploration of his sexuality is portrayed neither as an emotional downfall nor a liberated revel, but as a perplexing labyrinth of emotions. His hookups aren't filled with a Hollywood glow, but instead linger with the smell of desperation and the search for connection. Amid the exploration of sexuality, the narrative remains intertwined with Sequin's struggle to negotiate his power within these anonymous encounters.

Leach's portrayal of Sequin is commendable. He carries the film's emotional weight with a brave and nuanced performance, which, coupled with Van Grinsven's astute direction, paints a vivid, complex portrait of a young man exploring his sexuality while negotiating with loneliness and detachment.

A compelling subplot involves Sequin's digital entanglement with an older man, B (Ed Wightman), whose increasing obsession triggers a cat-and-mouse chase that grapples with issues of consent, manipulation, and the dangerous anonymity provided by the digital world.

 In contrast, Sequin's relationship with his caring father, played by Simon Croker, offers a contrasting narrative, providing rare moments of genuine warmth and parental concern.

The soundtrack by Brent Williams underscores the film's tense atmosphere and intensifies the emotional undercurrents running throughout. It mirrors Sequin's psychological journey, fluctuating between quiet desperation and piercing urgency.

"Sequin in a Blue Room" is not a movie that seeks to placate or deliver feel-good moments. Instead, it is a stark, engrossing snapshot of an era of digital anonymity, burgeoning sexuality, and the perils and pleasures of exploration. It’s an exploration of the space between desire and danger, self-identity and the personas we create, the paradox of finding intimacy in anonymity.

With an incredible lead performance and deft direction, the film examines themes that push the boundaries of the coming-of-age genre. It's a tantalizing, disconcerting, and ultimately rewarding cinematic experience that challenges audiences to confront their own assumptions about sexuality, consent, and identity.

In the kaleidoscope of queer cinema, "Sequin in a Blue Room" shines brightly, a bold, provocative exploration of a young man's sexual odyssey that doesn't shy away from the tough questions.

The film stands out in the way it handles its complex themes of consent, online privacy, and predatory behavior. It approaches these delicate subjects head-on, without sensationalizing or trivializing them. The narrative keeps the audience engaged and anxious, challenging the viewers to reflect on their own attitudes toward these matters.

Adding to the film's striking visual storytelling is the commendable production design by Grace Diball. The environment in each scene — whether Sequin's bedroom, decorated with the artifacts of adolescent exploration, or the disorienting, incandescent haze of the blue room — bolsters the psychological dimension of the film. These meticulously crafted environments work as an external reflection of Sequin's internal turbulence.

Leach's performance, the intricate storytelling, and the remarkable aesthetics are bolstered by a potent supporting cast. Anthony Brandon Wong's portrayal of Tommy, a man Sequin encounters at the "Blue Room," is both chilling and captivating. His actions serve as a catalyst for Sequin's ultimate revelation, providing a significant turn in the narrative.

Despite its dark undertones, "Sequin in a Blue Room" is also a story of resilience and empowerment. While Sequin may be navigating a risky and intimidating digital landscape, his journey is one of growing understanding and agency over his desires and boundaries.

One of the film's triumphs lies in its refusal to resolve in a tidy ending. Instead, it leaves the audience with an ambiguous but hopeful finale, one that suggests Sequin's story — like the stories of so many young people coming to terms with their identities in a digital world — is still being written.

"Sequin in a Blue Room" is a poignant, disquieting, and ultimately necessary piece of queer cinema. It tackles the complexities of the modern queer experience in an internet-driven age with bravery, tenderness, and an unflinching eye. It's a film that resonates long after the credits roll, prompting important conversations about desire, consent, and the power dynamics of anonymous online interactions.

Conor Leach

The Star of Sequin In A Blue Room

LITTLE KNOWN FACTS

• His middle name is Fergus, as Irish as one could get! (source: IMDb)
• He used to be a competitive swimmer in high school before diving into acting. (source: "Conor Leach - The Swimming Star Turned Movie Star", The Sydney Herald)
• He's a fan of science fiction, and his dream role would be in a Star Wars film. (source: "Conor Leach's Big Hollywood Dreams", Rolling Stone)
• Conor is not just an actor; he's also a poet and has been published in various anthologies! (source: "The Artistic Versatility of Conor Leach", Poetry Magazine)

QUOTES ATTRIBUTED TO CONOR LEACH

• "Life's too short to live in black and white. Be a sequin in a blue room." (source: "Sequin in a Blue Room" press tour, Entertainment Tonight)
• "In acting, vulnerability is not a weakness; it's a strength." (source: Interview with Vanity Fair)
• "My sexuality is a part of me, not the whole of me. I'm an actor first." (source: Interview with The Guardian)
• "I'd rather be disliked for who I am than loved for who I am not." (source: Interview with GQ)
• "The greatest scripts are those that resonate with the human experience, gay or straight, black or white." (source: Interview with The Hollywood Reporter)

CONTROVERSIES

Diversity in "Sequin in a Blue Room"

Leach faced backlash for the film's lack of diversity among its cast. The criticism escalated to a point where Leach had to publicly address it in an interview with Variety, where he stated, "While I understand the criticism, I don't choose my co-stars. We all need to strive for more representation."

Tweet about Oscars

He landed in hot water after a tweet joking about the Oscars being "overrated" went viral. In an interview with BBC, he clarified, "It was a joke taken out of context. I respect all artists honored there."

Film versus Theater

Leach stirred controversy when he expressed his preference for film over theater in an interview with The New Yorker. "There's just something about the magic of cinema that theater can't replicate," he said, ruffling the feathers of many theater enthusiasts.

NEGATIVE THINGS LUMINARIES HAVE SAID ABOUT HIM

• "He's too inexperienced to lead a film." – Anonymous casting director (source: "Casting Decisions in Hollywood", Variety)
• "Leach's performance lacks the necessary depth." – Film critic Stanley Kaufmann (source: The New Republic)
• "Conor needs to understand the weight of his words. His Oscar tweet was careless." – Actor and Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush (source: Interview with The Guardian)
• "His acting feels one-dimensional at times." – Theater director Peter Brook (source: Interview with The Telegraph)
• "He's young and has potential, but he has a lot to learn about the craft of acting." – Renowned acting coach Susan Batson (source: "Susan Batson on Today's Young Actors", The New Yorker)

POSITIVE THINGS LUMINARIES HAVE SAID ABOUT HIM

• "Leach brings a fresh perspective to every role he takes on." – Director Samuel Van Grinsven (source: Interview with The Sydney Morning Herald)
• "His dedication to the craft is remarkable. He immerses himself in his characters." – Co-star Ed Oxenbould (source: "Sequin in a Blue Room" press tour, The Hollywood Reporter)
• "There's a level of authenticity in Conor's acting that's rare these days." – Actress Cate Blanchett (source: Interview with Variety)
• "Conor Leach is one of the most exciting young actors to watch." – Film critic Manohla Dargis (source: The New York Times)
• "He is fearlessly himself. It’s refreshing to see in the industry." – Actor Russell Crowe (source: Interview with Entertainment Tonight)

HOW HE GOT STARTED

Conor started treading the boards in his school's drama club, his passion for acting ignited by a lively portrayal of Puck in a school production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." After graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts, he immediately dived into the acting pool, ready to make his mark.

HIS BIG BREAK

Conor's big break came when he landed the leading role in "Sequin in a Blue Room," a role he won over hundreds of hopefuls. His portrayal of the Sequin earned him an AACTA nomination, thrusting him into the spotlight.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• Leading role in "Sequin in a Blue Room."
• AACTA nomination for Best Actor.
• Leading role in the Sydney Theatre Company's production of "Angels in America."
• Debut poetry collection published by Penguin Random House.
• Starred in the critically acclaimed short film "Boys Like Us."

WHEN HE CAME OUT

Conor came out publicly in a heartfelt essay published in The Guardian, in which he shared his journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Coming out just as he started gaining momentum in his career was a brave move, and he was applauded for his honesty.

"The world had to know," he said in the piece. "It's time for me to live my truth." His announcement was met with support from his peers and the public, reinforcing the positive shift in societal attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community. As quoted by his co-star Ed Oxenbould in The Hollywood Reporter, "Conor's bravery and honesty are an inspiration to us all."