My Review of Blue Film (2025)

 

Written And Directed by Elliot Tuttle

Aaron (to Hank): "Maybe I'm a pervert too but at least I'm not criminally horny."

I've been wanting to see this film for quite some time. I was aware it was a movie that had a very grim subject matter and I was curious to see how exactly the topic at hand would be handled.

This movie should also be a test in just how good people's media literacy skills are because if you're one of those who thinks that a certain character's actions are condoned, I don't know what to say to you. I do actually - go back and watch the film again.

The movie opened with a webcam guy named Aaron Eagle (Kieron Moore) doing a live show and taking delight in draining his paypigs. If you're aware of findom, let's just say this felt a little too well researched. It's accuracy on another level. Let's also just say that opening scene didn't feel like a parody or half assed.

Anyways, Aaron's story involved him making a house call for $50,000 to a mystery man (Reed Birney) wearing a balaclava. The mystery man was keen on getting to know Aaron, which annoyed the latter. Then there was the big reveal itself and that's where this movie began to take a darker turn.

The mystery man was a former teacher of Aaron's named, Hank Grant and getting to the grim subject matter itself, Hank had a history of inappropriate behaviour towards boys. There's repeated talk of Hank being sent to prison for attempting to assault a former classmate of Aaron's and Hank admitted that he had an attraction to a younger Aaron.

While Hank definitely tried to provide context for the way he was as well as expressing some awareness into his depravity, that didn't stop him from acting out one of his fantasies with Aaron. It's one of the most disturbing scenes in the entire film and one of several moments that also shook Aaron's own bravado.

There's frank discussions on Aaron's sexuality and whether or not being into findom empowered or weakened him. Aaron claimed it didn't weaken him while also opening up to Hank about a past lover he regretted losing. Hank also talked about renewing his faith in religion, which Aaron did seem sceptical about.

The morning after everything that transpired in the movie served a cold light on both men. Is someone like Hank capable of keeping himself in check? I doubt it. Did that night change Aaron for the better or for the worst? I think him singing in the shower was meant to show some sort of catharsis.

- Aaron's real name was Alex McConnell. He lied to Hank about his aunt being inappropriate towards him. Raphael was the guy he let slip away.

- Hank mentioned having his grandfather's name, being an abuse victim of his grandfather with his mother sacrificing him to protect Hank's siblings.

- Aaron smoked, drank, did pot but also labelled himself "California Sober". Hank had given up drinking but chugged beers when told to. Both men ate pizza.

- Hank gave Aaron the $50,000 as well as school photos of both himself and Aaron. Hank originally intended to record their encounter but changed his mind. He also talked about pederasts.

- Standout music: Isaac Eiger did a great score as well as that song Aaron was singing at the end in the shower.

- Chronology: Present day Los Angeles. Both Aaron and Hank were from Bedford. Hank now worked at the Stop N Save.

Blue Film (2025) easily will terrify more than any horror film you'll watch this year. It's easily one of the most unsettling movies I've ever watched and it's grim subject matter didn't make for easy viewing. Saying that, there needs be a conversation about Kieron Moore and Reed Birney because both men give the most compelling performances I've seen this year. They should be getting included into awards conversation but I do think the subject matter will likely derail that. This movie will definitely stay in your mind.

Rating: 8 out of 10