Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Queer! In an insightful revelation, Queer writer Justin Kuritzkes sheds light on the film’s intriguing centipede symbol. This symbol emerges at pivotal moments, paralleling the emotional journeys of the central characters. Positive critiques of Queer emphasize its nuanced character development, especially focusing on the expatriate William Lee (portrayed by Daniel Craig) and his romantic interest, Eugene Allerton (played by Drew Starkey). Notably, the film is imbued with rich symbolism that remains largely unexplained, including the recurring centipede motif.
I leave that up to the viewer, and as you’ve said, it’s an imagery that’s very present in Burroughs’ work. It was certainly something that was really important to Luca [Guadagnino] as he was building the visual language of the movie, so I wouldn’t want to give a definitive explanation of what’s going on with the centipede.
Something I found interesting as I was researching centipedes while writing actually relates to identity: “centipede”is a misnomer. Almost no centipedes actually have a hundred legs. They actually never have a hundred legs, but they’re called centipedes. I feel like you can infer a lot from that in a movie called Queer about this very particular queer life in this very particular setting and time.
Insights from Kuritzkes on the Centipede in Queer
Unraveling the Centipede’s Significance in the Climax
Kuritzkes conveys that the centipede holds multiple interpretations, but its symbolism is crystallized by the film’s conclusion. When William grapples with the painful realization that Eugene may never reciprocate his feelings, he experiences a vivid dream where Eugene’s centipede necklace animates. This arthropod symbolizes William’s emotional stagnation, juxtaposed with a snake eating its tail—an embodiment of the ouroboros. This imagery vividly illustrates William’s entrapment in grief while Eugene appears liberated to move forward.
Here, the centipede embodies the theme of transformation, with Eugene progressing beyond their relationship while William remains ensnared in nostalgia. Given that William’s character is partially inspired by William S. Burroughs, the centipede’s unsettling connotations reflect the juxtaposition of their contrasting mental states. The thoughtful incorporation of such profound symbolism contributes significantly to making Queer one of Guadagnino’s crowning achievements, resonating deeply with Burroughs’ artistic legacy.
Our Perspective on the Centipede Symbolism in Queer
A Revelation About William’s Psychological Landscape
The moment William encounters the centipede is deeply telling. While it is often regarded as a symbol of change within the LGBTQ+ community, its implications for William are tragic—depicting his inability to progress and his lingering heartbreak over Eugene. The contrasting imagery of the centipede and the ouroboros, alongside Kuritzkes’ remarks about centipede biology, suggests an intended thematic resonance that enriches the narrative of Queer.
Queer continues to be featured in select theaters, captivating audiences with its multifaceted storytelling.