Queer cinema is having quite a summer. From a star-studded disaster comedy packed with Drag Race royalty to a sapphic teen romance making its debut at Frameline, a supernatural thriller rooted in conversion therapy horror, and a sapphic slasher that’s already got us buzzing. Plus, two beloved classics are back on the big screen for milestone anniversaries. Here’s what’s on our radar.
Stop! That! Train! (Dir. Adam Shankman)
RuPaul leads this star studded disaster comedy about what happens when a catastrophic “Stormaganza” threatens to derail the luxury Glamazonian Express train. The film is filled with Drag Race royalty, including Symone, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Marcia Marcia Marcia, Ginger Minj and Jujubee, plus cameos and supporting roles from Joel McHale, Rachel Bloom, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Lisa Rinna and Sarah Michelle Gellar. RuPaul, naturally, also stars as President Gagwell.
In theaters, June 12th.
Girls Like Girls (Dir. Haley Kiyoko)
Multihyphenate Kiyoko steps into the director’s chair for this adaptation of her 2023 novel, Girls Like Girls, based on her 2015 hit song and video of the same name. Myra Molloy and Maya da Costa star as teen girls who meet and fall in love over the course of the summer in the mid-2000s. The film premieres at this year’s Frameline festival and drops the following day at theaters across the country.
In theaters, June 19th.
Leviticus (Dir. Adrian Chiarella)
In an isolated, conservative Australian town, teen boys Ryan (Stacy Clausen) and Naim (Joe Bird) battle inner (and outer demons?) while hiding their attraction to one another. When another connection between the pastor’s son Hunter and Ryan is discovered, the town, polluted by industrial fumes and rumors, turns on the boys, bringing in a spiritual healer to rid them of their “sins.” The result is a heart pounding supernatural thriller, where the only way for Ryan and Naim to stay safe from the demon unleashed, is to stay away from each other. But how do you know who the real demon is?
In theaters, June 19th.
Maddie’s Secret (Dir. John Early)
In an homage of sorts to 90s and early 2000s Lifetime movies, comedian John Early stars as food influencer Maddie, a rising star of content creation. When the pressure of fame starts to take its toll, Maddie falls back into old habits from her past, which threaten to topple her meteoric rise. Early, who is also making his debut as a feature film director, is joined by frequent collaborator Kate Berlant, along with Eric Rahill, Kristen Johnston and Vanessa Bayer.
In theaters, June 19th.
Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma (Dir. Jane Schoenbrun)
When queer director Kris (Hannah Einbinder) is tapped to breathe new life into the Camp Miasma horror film series, she becomes obsessed with casting the film’s original final girl, Billy Preston (Gillian Anderson). However, when the two begin a working collaboration, their connection descends into a “frenzy of psychosexual mania.” The film also featured queer, nonbinary actor Jack Haven as Camp Miasma’s longtime villain, Little Death.
In theaters, August 7th.
Bound 30th Anniversary (Dir. Lana and Lilly Wachowski)
The neo-noir lesbian romance crime thriller celebrates 30 years this summer, and is being honored with special screenings including one at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. Following the Tribeca screening, a talk back panel will feature Lilly Wachowski, Jennifer Tilly, Gina Gershon, Joe Pantoliano, and Christopher Meloni and moderator Julie Klausner. Check your local independent cinema for screenings of Bound coming up this Pride month.
In theaters now.
By Hook or By Crook 25th Anniversary (Dir. Silas Howard, Harry Dodge)
This beloved, trans-butch buddy film broke new ground upon its release in 2001. Howard and Dodge, who also wrote and directed the film, star as grifters who form a tight friendship, commit crimes together and search for answers to life’s big questions. By Hook or By Crook has been restored in 4K for its 25th anniversary, and scheduled for screenings in New York and Los Angeles, with more cities to be added this summer.
In theaters starting June 12th.
