Longtime Companion

The title refers to the oft-used description in an obituary for the male lover of someone who has died of AIDS, And just as the phrase lovingly reflects a relationship" Longtime Companion sensitively speaks of those hardest hit by the disease: the decimated ranks of the gay community, ft is an honest and timely examination of the impact AIDS has had on the gay community.

The film follows a group of men in New York City, all but one of whom are gay, covering their lives from the time of the first mystifyingly reports of the disease in 1981 to the more-informed, but equally uncertain, present, and examining the tremendous pain faced by each individual. Although each reacts differently, the illness confronts all of them, impacting the carefree existence of earlier years, Director Norman Rene’s detailed and shaded characterizations, and writer Craig Lucas’s compelling, highly realistic script produce a powerfully touching work.

Unflinching performances by Bruce Davison and Mark Lamas, as David and Sean, provide the film’s emotional core, When Sean falls ill, their comfortable lives are ruptured, Acknowledging Sean’s increasing dependence, David lovingly cares for him throughout his illness, eventually contracting the disease himself,

The story depicts the interrelated struggles that slowly consume the daily existence of each character, but more importantly, the love, courage and even rueful humor which become daily necessities when one faces such a rampant disease. With spirits strengthened, these men reach out and offer support and comfort to one another, generating a response which truly makes this film not only important, unique and timely but also an absorbing dramatic experience. –Sundance Film Festival