 The Breaking Glass Pictures DVD release of the EXCLUSIVE unrated director's cut of the 2017 gay-themed romcomdram "Everything is Free" has so many relatabele themes to folks other than those at the far hetero end of the Kinsey Scale that knowing where to begin is tough. Further, giving everything its full due as to this film about an out-and-proud gay 20-something developing a friendship with benefits with the younger brother of his best friend is beyond the scope of this post. A full-frontal (and full arousal) shower scene in which writer-director-star Brian Jordan Alvarez of "Will and Grace" illustrates why Speedos are called banana hammocks illustrates a segment that apparently is exclusive to this unrated director's cut. This also dispels both clauses in the expression that there is no such thing as a small part, only small actors. Speaking of Alvarez, his wonderfully flaky and clearly ad libbed introduction to the film that Breaking includes as a DVD bonus is must see. The following trailer for "Free" perfectly captures the themes and the tone of the film. We get plenty of scenes of our trio of 20-something AF model looking guys loving, laughing, and emoting. One of the nicest surprises as to "Free" is that it is an anomaly as the mostly universal truth that an inverse relationship exists between the amount of erotic content and the quality of the film. This one has plenty of adult themes but still has a talented successful cast tell an interesting story that stimulates the organ that is best equipped to guide men in their decision making.
An overall issue is the dynamic of a close platonic friendship between a gay man and a straight man. One aspect of this is the degree to which one or both of these guys want to be physically intimate. This can involve a mixture of love, lust, and curiosity. A related element is the extent to which the straight guy can accept his desire to expand his range of sexual activity. The same genre of gay-themed films that heavily suggests that a hetero buddy is eager to see how the other half lives just as frequently suggest that the younger brother of that dude is just as available. The reality is that the friend/brother may have trouble accepting that his male sibling is gay or bi or may feel jealous that this relative is willing to act on feelings that run in the family or merely gets to bond with his friend in a way that is too scary to explore. The bigger (and more realistic) picture is that EVERY straight guy has a line that a gay guy often does not know about until he crosses it. The possibilities are too numerous to explore. A real-world example is an extremely liberal guy who is an active member of the Green Party getting upset on his gay friend clearly joking when saying at a wedding venue that the two of them are engaged. In true gayromcomdram style, American Ivan (Alvarez) is living the good life in Colombia before subsequent events fairly literally bring his world crashing down. He makes enough as an artist to have a nice home in Colombia and keep a second place in Los Angeles. He also seems to be a poster boy for the concept of happy-go-lucky. The beginning of the end is when straight college buddy Christian (Peter Vack) visits and makes the arguably ill-fated decision to bring (presumably) straight little brother Cole (Morgan Krantz) along for the ride. Glances and an arguable "teasing" in the form of late-night bed hopping only to retreat when things heat up lead to a friendship with somewhat covert benefits between Ivan and Cole. Meanwhile, Ivan has met a man who may be Mr. Right despite the presence of Cole affecting what is occurring right now. The next major development starts out as the fulfillment of what may be a fantasy for a combination of Ivan, Christian, and some audience members. Christian makes Ivan a well-received offer to take their close long-term friendship to the next level; this takes an unexpected term that also may be a fantasy to guys with issues. This intercourse ends with Christian angrily warning Ivan to stay away from Cole. The heart (and other body parts) wanting what the heart (and other body parts) wants leads to Christian catching Ivan and Cole with their pants down. The ensuing trauma and drama leads to Christian and Ivan cutting their trip short. A heart-broken Ivan bonds with two new buddies; discovering that they also know "quirky" and androgynous Eli (Jason Greene) validates the theory that the gay world is a small one; it does not necessarily support the related belief that most of these guys have also had sex in various combinations. Ivan further follows the textbook for young idealistic guys all along the Kinsey scale and visiting LA with his new entourage. His optimistic belief is that Christian will accept his relationship with Cole and that Cole will realize that Ivan is his soulmate at least until someone younger and cuter comes along. It is predicted that the course of true love is not that easy; suffice it to say that things do not end with Ivan and Cole tying the knot and Christian being the best man. The resolution of all this remains true to "Free" and the "queer as folk" reality that it depicts,
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