Keep the Lights On 2012
Directed by
Ira Sachs
Made by
Music Box Films
Plot Summary
In 1998, Erik, portrayed by Thure Lindhardt, is a Danish artist residing in the vibrant city of New York. He has a serendipitous encounter with Paul, played by Zachary Booth, through a phone sex hot-line, where their undeniable attraction quickly leads to an intimate liaison. Erik later hangs out with Russ, who seems more focused on showcasing his physique than engaging in anything romantic. In a heartfelt conversation, Erik reveals to Paul about his difficult past with his ex-boyfriend, Paolo, who was HIV-positive, expressing how being with Paul makes him feel joy again. Erik confides in his friend Claire, portrayed by Julianne Nicholson, emphasizing his newfound happiness with Paul in contrast to his previous relationship. However, Paul, who has been hiding his drug use, asks Erik to keep this a secret after introducing him to substances. During a visit to an art gallery, Erik encourages Paul to introduce him to his ex-girlfriend, creating a tangle of emotions. Away from the city, a phone call brings Erik the news that he is HIV-negative, lifting a weight off his shoulders. Paul surprises Erik with a birthday party, enhancing their budding romance.
Fast forward to 2000, Paul witnesses Erik chatting with another man, leading to a confrontation filled with tension. Despite their argument, they reconcile. However, Paul’s mysterious disappearance during a dinner with friends raises questions for Erik. While working on a documentary, Erik feels isolated and surprisingly finds himself connected to Paul on a phone sex line, which disturbs him deeply. Back in the city, after their usual ups and downs, Erik comes home to find Paul unconscious. This alarming scene leads to Paul checking into rehab, where he blames Erik for ruining his life. Meanwhile, Erik finds a fleeting connection with a painter named Igor.
By 2003, following Paul’s rehab, Erik is optimistic about their future, but when he discovers Paul has not been home, worry seeps in. Erik receives a call from Paul, inviting him to his hotel, where Paul’s erratic behavior becomes apparent. Despite Erik’s attempts to bring Paul back to reality, Paul resists and even hires a male prostitute in Erik’s presence, causing further strain. Erik finds temporary solace with Russ again, sharing drugs and possibly crossing other boundaries.
In 2006, their paths cross once more at a diner, where both seem to have progressed since their last encounter. Paul accepts Erik’s invitation to stay over, yet avoids intimacy before sleeping. During a countryside retreat, Erik seeks clarity on their relationship, but Paul’s anger flares. He gives Erik an ultimatum—commit to moving in together or they part ways. After much contemplation, Erik decides they should move in but later has a change of heart, rushing to inform Paul of his decision. Walking with Paul to his job, Erik professes his enduring love, to which Paul responds with skepticism, yet they share a warm embrace, leaving Erik to ponder their tumultuous journey together.
Timeline
Erik's Encounter with Paul
In 1998, Erik, a Danish artist living in New York, meets Paul through a phone sex hot-line. Their connection is instantaneous, leading to a passionate and intimate relationship that ignites Erik's long-dormant happiness.
Heartfelt Confession
During a heartfelt conversation with Paul, Erik opens up about his painful past. He reveals that his previous relationship with Paolo, who was HIV-positive, left lasting scars, but being with Paul rejuvenates his spirit and joy.
Trust Issues Arise
As the relationship deepens, Paul introduces Erik to drugs but pleads with him to keep it a secret. This moment complicates Erik's feelings, as he grapples with the newfound intimacy and the shadows of addiction that haunt Paul.
Art Gallery Visit
While at an art gallery, Erik encourages Paul to introduce him to his ex-girlfriend. The encounter stirs up mixed emotions, leading to a deeper contemplation about their relationship and the ties from Paul's past.
HIV-Test Results
Erik receives a phone call informing him that he is HIV-negative, lifting a heavy burden off his shoulders. This news temporarily alleviates his worries about the dangers of his relationship with Paul and enhances their bond.
Birthday Surprise
Paul throws a surprise birthday party for Erik, marking a significant moment of joy in their relationship. This celebration signifies the heights of their romance, creating cherished memories amidst their struggles.
Confrontation in 2000
In 2000, Erik feels a jolt of jealousy when he sees Paul conversing with another man. Their confrontation is heated but ultimately leads to reconciliation, showcasing the volatile nature of their bond.
Paul's Disappearance
During a dinner with friends, Paul’s sudden disappearance raises alarms for Erik. This incident fuels Erik’s anxieties about Paul's stability, leaving him worried about their future together.
Feeling Isolated
While working on a documentary, Erik experiences isolation and unexpectedly connects with Paul again through a phone sex line. This deeply disturbs him, indicating unresolved feelings and the complexities of their relationship.
Paul's Crisis
Erik returns home one day to find Paul unconscious, provoking a serious concern about his partner’s well-being. This alarming event leads Paul to check into rehab, where he blames Erik for his struggles.
Erik's Fleeting Connection
While Paul is in rehab, Erik explores a fleeting connection with another painter named Igor. This brief affair reflects Erik's yearning for intimacy amidst a backdrop of emotional turmoil.
Paul's Erratic Behavior
By 2003, Erik's optimism dims as he notes Paul’s erratic behavior during a hotel visit. Despite Erik's attempts to re-establish communication, Paul's refusal to acknowledge reality strains their relationship further.
Strained Relationships
Feeling overwhelmed, Erik finds temporary comfort with Russ again, symbolizing his struggle with boundaries and addiction. This moment underscores Erik's growing detachment from his commitment to Paul.
Countryside Ultimatum
During a retreat in the countryside, Erik seeks clarity about his relationship with Paul. Paul delivers a stark ultimatum: move in together or end things, forcing Erik to confront his true feelings.
Enduring Love
Erik rushes to share his decision to move in with Paul, professing his love while walking him to work. Paul's skeptical response adds tension, but they share a meaningful embrace, leaving Erik to reflect on their complex journey together.
Characters
Erik (Thure Lindhardt)
Erik is a Danish artist who embodies creativity and vulnerability. He navigates his emotional landscape through art and relationships, striving to find happiness after a troubled past. His deep connections with Paul and other characters reveal his longing for stability and love amidst chaos.
Paul (Zachary Booth)
Paul is a complex character grappling with addiction and issues of self-worth. His charm and attraction to Erik are overshadowed by his struggles, ultimately leading to a rollercoaster of emotions and turmoil in their relationship. Paul's journey illustrates the challenges of love intertwined with personal demons.
Claire (Julianne Nicholson)
Claire serves as Erik's confidante, providing emotional support and a grounded perspective on his relationship with Paul. Her presence highlights the importance of friendship and understanding in navigating life's complexities, especially in love and heartbreak.
Russ (Thure Lindhardt)
Russ is a somewhat superficial character who contrasts with the deeper emotional struggles of Erik and Paul. His focus on physical appearances provides a distraction for Erik but also reflects the varied experiences of love and attraction within their social circles.
Setting
Time period
1998-2006
The movie spans from 1998 to 2006, a period marked by social changes and a growing awareness of HIV/AIDS. It reflects the emotional landscape of relationships during this time, especially for the LGBTQ+ community facing both love and heartbreak amidst the challenges of addiction and illness. This era juxtaposes the thrill of new love with the harsh realities of personal demons.
Location
New York
New York is a vibrant, bustling city known for its diverse culture, arts scene, and iconic landmarks. It serves as a backdrop for various stories that explore the complexities of modern life, love, and personal struggles. The city’s energy often mirrors the emotional journeys of its inhabitants, making it a fitting setting for Erik's and Paul's evolving relationship.
Themes
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Love & Heartbreak
The film intricately explores themes of love and heartbreak through the tumultuous relationship between Erik and Paul. Their journey illustrates the complexities of intimacy, trust, and the impact of past traumas on present relationships. The characters navigate joy and pain, highlighting how love can be both uplifting and destructive.
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Addiction & Recovery
Addiction plays a crucial role in the narrative, showcasing how it affects not just the individual but also their loved ones. Paul's struggle with substance abuse creates tension and conflict within his relationship with Erik, emphasizing the challenges of supporting someone in recovery. The theme reflects a cycle of hope and despair that many face.
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Identity & Self-discovery
Erik's journey towards self-discovery and acceptance is central to the film. As he navigates his feelings for Paul and confronts his past, we see a portrayal of the quest for identity, love, and belonging. The narrative touches upon the complexities of LGBTQ+ experiences and the search for meaningful connections in a chaotic world.
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