Daniel Craig’s Queer Now Streaming on Max: Insights and Overview
Renowned for his remarkable performances, Daniel Craig stars in Queer, an A24 film set to stream on Max starting March 28th. Despite being overlooked for the 2025 Academy Awards, this film stands out as a must-see. Directed by the talented Luca Guadagnino, Queer marks his second project of 2024, following the successful Challengers. Co-written by Justin Kuritzkes, Queer tells the poignant story of two lovers, Lee and Gene, navigating life in Mexico City during a repressive era. The film shares thematic elements with Guadagnino’s celebrated work, Call Me By Your Name, particularly its impactful resolution.
Produced independently, Queer garnered attention after its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, showing potential as an awards contender. A24 seized the opportunity to include it in their impressive lineup, leading to a limited release in late 2024, followed by a broader rollout in December. The film captivates audiences through its intricate metaphors and striking visuals, establishing itself as a key viewing experience for fans of A24 or those intrigued by its stellar cast.
Exploring Queer: A Deep Dive into A24’s Latest Film
A Revolutionary Story with Historical Context
Set against the backdrop of Mexico City in 1954, Queer tells the story of a gay American writer grappling with addiction. This film, inspired by William S. Burroughs’ seminal novel of the same name, builds upon the themes of his earlier work, Junkie. Featuring explicit homoerotic visuals and surreal sequences characteristic of A24 productions, Queer challenges possessors with its thought-provoking content and intentionally ambiguous storytelling.
Guadagnino’s Remarkable Directing: The Journey from Challengers to Queer
In the Wake of Challengers’ Success
Just eight months after the successful debut of Challengers, Guadagnino released Queer, further solidifying his reputation as a leading filmmaker. Challengers resonated with audiences and grossed $96.1 million globally, outperforming other Oscar favorites. Consequently, the exclusion of Guadagnino’s film from the 2025 Oscars category created significant uproar, highlighting the disparity between critical success and industry recognition.
| Luca Guadagnino’s 2024 Releases | Budget | Box Office Domestic | Box Office Worldwide | Rotten Tomatoes (Critic) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Challengers | $55 million | $50,119,408 | $96,119,408 | 88% |
| Queer | €48 million | $3,736,813 | $5,443,379 | 77% |
The reception of Queer has been notably mixed among critics. While some praised its bold ambition, others criticized its surreal narrative choices. Nevertheless, Daniel Craig’s performance as Lee was universally lauded, showcasing the depth and complexity required for the role. Despite a limited theatrical run, Queer achieved impressive box office numbers, boasting a per theater average of $27,000 upon release, outperforming several other films during its run.
Reflecting on Daniel Craig’s Performance: A Missed Oscar Opportunity
A Career-Defining Role in Queer
Surprisingly, despite his compelling performance in Queer, Craig was not nominated for an Oscar—a decision that many found bewildering. His portrayal of Lee is often regarded as a pinnacle of his extensive career, requiring a nuanced emotional range that surpasses his previous characters. Queer’s demanding narrative and Craig’s skillful embodiment of the character created an extraordinary cinematic experience, making his omission from the Academy Awards particularly disappointing.
Even though Craig excelled in efforts recognized at other prestigious events, such as the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, the competitive nature of the 2025 Oscars deemed likely that a win would be difficult—even if a nomination seemed justified for his standout role. Such recognition would have validated his artistry and contributions to the film.