In 1968, a group of gay men gather at Michael’s (Jim Parsons) apartment for a birthday party, but a surprise guest is also on his way.

Some critics found this adaptation more modern than one might assume, but that’s always been one of the play’s key strengths. The same cast who performed in a 2018 Broadway revival of the play reunited for this movie and (as in the 1970 film version) there’s a tangibly relaxed atmosphere among the actors.

An appealing adaptation that stays close to the source material, but opens up a few city locations a bit. Parsons can’t quite match Kenneth Nelson, but is still good.

2020-U.S. VOD. 122 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Joe Mantello. Screenplay: Mart Crowley, Ned Martel. Play: Mart Crowley. Cast: Jim Parsons (Michael), Zachary Quinto (Harold), Matt Bomer (Donald), Andrew Rannells, Charlie Carver, Robin de Jésus. 

Trivia: Co-produced by Ryan Murphy.

Last word: “I have to admit that, at first, I didn’t quite understand where my character was coming from. I was excited to be part of this seminal piece of gay theater, but I was a bit trepidatious about the whole thing. Soon, though, the historic importance and societal impact of the piece grew on me. I don’t think it would have hit me as hard if we hadn’t had the chance to shoot the movie version after doing the play on Broadway two years ago.” (Parsons, Los Angeles Times)