In the gripping gay drama 'Plainclothes', Tom Blyth and Russell Tovey portray their roles as romantic leads
In the heart of the Sundance Film Festival, Carmen Emmi's debut feature-length film, "Plainclothes," made its grand entrance. The gritty depiction of queerness set in 1990s New York has been ten years in the making, and it certainly did not disappoint.
"Plainclothes" tells the story of a closeted undercover cop, played by Tom Blyth, who finds himself entangled with his next target, portrayed by Russell Tovey. The film explores the cruising culture of the 1990s, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of the era.
The cast, which includes Maria Dizzia, Amy Forsyth, Gabe Fazio, John Bedford Lloyd, Darius Fraser, and Alessandra Balazs, was celebrated on The Red Carpet at the festival. The ensemble was awarded the Special Jury Award for their collective performance.
Carmen Emmi expressed his gratitude for premiering his first feature-length film at Sundance, stating it was the biggest honour of his life. Russell Tovey, on the other hand, described "Plainclothes" as a queer movie with universal themes of love, desire, and humanity.
The film, which was inspired by an article in the L.A. Times about police officers going undercover to arrest men exposing themselves in public bathrooms in 2016, will be available in select theaters nationwide in the coming weeks. Starting from September 19, "Plainclothes" will open in New York City theaters.
Director Christian Cooke considers "Plainclothes" a coming-of-age and coming-out film that goes beyond those labels. He and the cast, including Tovey, connected with the script due to its authenticity and universal themes.
"Plainclothes" is more than just a film; it's a testament to Emmi's dedication, the cast's commitment, and the power of authentic storytelling. It's a story that resonates and a journey worth taking. Don't miss out on this compelling piece when it hits theaters near you.