SUNDANCE 2023 | Short Film Review: "Troy" And The Tender Effects Of A Neighbor's Gay Sex
11/12 ForReel Score | 4.5/5 Stars
Troy, Mike Donahue's directorial debut, explores how thin walls and one particularly rowdy apartment tenant can completely disrupt his neighbor’s daily life. New York couple Thea (Adina Verson, Only Murders in the Building) and Charlie (Michael Braun, Deep Water) are plagued by the constant noise coming from the other side of their apartment wall. It's not just any regular noise, but loud hardcore gay sex that goes on at all hours of the day. The couple can't do anything without the sounds of men grunting and moaning permeating their home life. The film explores how these individuals can so easily become entangled in the lives of strangers, and the unexpected consequences that can result from such intrusions.
This tongue-in-cheek short film first premiered at Tribeca and has since been selected for over 30 prestigious international film festivals, winning numerous awards along the way, including Outfest’s Audience Award for Best Narrative Short. It is now showing at this year's Sundance Festival and I'm forever thankful for it. During the film's sixteen minute runtime, I was enamored by the evolution of the couple's intrigue in Troy (Hans Berlin, Hired Gun). Troy is so oblivious to how impactful his actions are on the people around. It’s a hysterical and believable journey from annoyance, to intrigue, to a genuine care.
Many surprising faces like Dylan Baker (Damages), Dana Delany (Desperate Houswives) and Max Jenkins (Dead to Me) add a little extra spice to the story. Although each of their appearances are brief, they somehow contribute to the emotional impact of the film. I found the film as a whole to be much sweeter and more tender than I had anticipated. The short is filled with some fascinating observations regarding the bonds that people form with strangers. Troy is an hilarious and heartfelt experience for all audiences, particularly the queers and their allies to enjoy.
Acting and Casting - 2 | Visual Effects and Editing - 1 | Story and Message - 2| Entertainment Value - 2 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 2| Reviewer's Preference -2 | What does this mean?