If you thought you had seen the last of that clichéd romantic ending in which someone runs through an airport to prevent a lover from boarding a plane that will separate them forever, think again. The only difference in this limp Brief Encounter retread from writer-director-star James Fanizza is that the couple is gay. Fanizza plays Alex, a Toronto artist whose boyfriend Nelson (Guifré Bantjes-Rafols) is going off to a conference. Before departing, Nelson introduces Alex to his cousin Sebastian (Alex House), who is visiting from Argentina for a week. Big mistake: Alex and Sebastian are quickly smitten with one another, gamboling through the city’s sights and enjoying nights snuggling in bed. When Nelson returns, he is understandably miffed with both, but the central issue is whether the new relationship will stick or Sebastian will go back home alone. Sebastian plays like a sincere attempt to depict a gay romance, and House has a smolderingly handsome presence, but Fanizza makes for a lightweight protagonist. And while fans might be interested in seeing Brian McCook, who appears here both in his everyday duds and his drag stage persona of "Katya," he seems distinctly uncomfortable before the camera. Optional. (F. Swietek)
Sebastian
Wolfe, 84 min., not rated, DVD: $26.99 Volume 33, Issue 3
Sebastian
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