Love Is Strange 2014

Benjamin Arthur Hull “Ben” (John Lithgow) and George Esteban Correa (Alfred Molina) are a devoted same-sex couple from Manhattan who finally tie the knot after 39 years together. Their relationship, like many, is characterized by the everyday challenges faced by a long-term couple. George, a passionate music teacher at a Catholic school, unexpectedly faces a significant setback when Father Raymond (John Cullum) delivers the news of his termination upon learning of their marriage, despite their 12-year friendship.

With George losing his income, the couple finds themselves unable to keep up with the mortgage on their beloved New York apartment and, regretfully, must put it up for sale. As they navigate the complexities of real estate, they learn about the difficult fees and commissions that gouge their limited resources, leaving them with a mere $17,535 in profit when they ultimately relinquish their home. Feeling the pressure of financial strain, they are forced to lean on their friends and family for temporary shelter, leading to a painful separation, which they hope will be short-lived until George secures another job.

Ben moves in with his nephew Elliot (Darren Burrows), his novelist wife Kate (Marisa Tomei), and their teenage son Joey (Charlie Tahan). Meanwhile, George finds refuge with their former neighbors, a vibrant same-sex couple, Roberto and Ted. As these new living arrangements unfold, both men wrestle with feelings of longing and the reality of being apart, while their hosts—Elliot, Kate, Joey, Roberto, and Ted—navigate the challenges of having guests in spaces meant for fewer inhabitants.

As days turn into weeks, the presence of Ben and George begins to strain familial dynamics. Kate struggles to write amidst Ben’s constant interruptions, while Ben finds his peaceful naps disrupted by Joey’s study sessions. Tensions rise, especially when Joey’s resentment towards Ben erupts, culminating in a confrontation when he discovers Vlad, a friend, posing for Ben’s art on the rooftop.

In George’s crowded temporary living situation, he contends with a lively household and the discrimination they face while searching for new accommodations due to their marriage. Meanwhile, Ben and George manage to carve out small moments together, often at the expense of Joey’s own comforts and privacy, leading to an awkward coexistence.

Tragedy strikes when Ben dislocates his shoulder while painting, further complicating matters and illuminating his vulnerabilities. Compounding the stress, it becomes clear that Joey is struggling in school, leading to a family discussion about possible substance use, ultimately placing blame on Ben’s intrusion into their lives.

As isolation looms, Ben contemplates moving to Poughkeepsie to stay with his sister Mindy, longing for connection with George. With time dwindling and their relationship feeling the weight of overwhelming challenges, the couple relentlessly seeks opportunities to be together.

The heart-wrenching culmination of their story comes when Ben succumbs to heart disease, instilling profound grief in Joey, who manages to preserve a piece of Ben’s spirit by gifting George a painting that Ben cherished. In a world filled with complexities, the narrative illustrates how love manifests in unexpected and often challenging ways.