2022 is just underway, but this year is already shaping up to be one for the books in terms of queer cinema excellence. The lineup includes groundbreaking dramas, swoonworthy romantic comedies, must-see biopics, surrealistic horror films, and even a documentary about a controversial queer icon. Here are the films we can’t wait to get our eyes on this year.
Jenna Ortega stars as queer student Vada Cavell struggling with her depression following a mass shooting at her California high school. She also navigates romantic attractions to her classmates Mia Reed (Maddie Ziegler) and Quinton Hasland (Niles Fitch), with whom she hid in a bathroom during the shooting. On HBO Max January 27.
Set in post World-War II Germany, this Austrian drama follows Hans Hoffmann (Franz Rogowski) who’s imprisoned several times for being gay and during his time in prison shares an intimate relationship with his cellmate, Hans Hoffmann (Franz Rogowski), who is serving a life sentence for murder. The film took home the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize at the 2021 at the Cannes Film Festival and is Austria’s entry for the best International film festival for this year's Academy Awards. In theaters March 4.
This super-queer romantic comedy was written by and stars Billy Eichner is at the top of our must watch list, despite there being sparse details about the plot. What we do know is that cast is full of queer folks we love including Bowen Yang, Ts Madison, Guillermo Diaz, and Luke Macfarlane as Eichner’s love interest. In theaters August 22.
This latest chapter in the Marvel cinematic universe sees Doctor Strange dealing with the consequences of a forbidden spell which led to the opening of the multiverse. But more importantly, it will introduce lesbian super hero American Chavez, played by Xochitl Gomez. In theaters May 6.
Beloved character Buzz Lightyear gets his origin story — well, technically, it's the character that inspired the action figure in the Toy Story series. It’s complicated, but more importantly, it’s reportedly “substantially” queer inclusive. In theaters June 17.
Naomi Ackie stars as Whitney Houston in this biopic from the writer of Bohemian Rhapsody. It will focus on the iconic singer’s life story, charting her rise to stardom. It will reportedly not shy away from including her love affair with her best friend and personal assistant Robyn Crawford. In theaters December 23.
This biopic follows the life and loves of British poet and soldier Siegfried Sassoon during World War I. It depicts his openly critical attitude toward the war, his marriage to a woman who knew about his sexuality, and his on-and-off romance with composer and actor Ivor Novello. Release date is TBA.
This unique film blends fiction and nonfiction in order to bring an important story in trans history to light. A cast of trans actors discover a case file from a 1950s gender clinic and confront the legacy of a young trans woman who was “forced to choose between honesty and access.” Framing Agnes is set to premiere at Sundance. Release date is TBA.
Set in Brazil following the inauguration of a right-wing president, Marte Um follows one working class family, including a queer daughter who’s falling in love with another woman, as they try to navigate thier lives. The film premieres at Sundance but the release date is still TBA.
This romantic comedy from director Rose Troche stars Keiynan Lonsdale and Dylan Sprouse and follows a young man who makes up a boyfriend on social media to keep his ex lover out of his life, but ends up meeting the person who just might be the love of his life. Release date is TBA.
This documentary, which premieres at Sundance, follows the fascinating and tumultuously life of Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor. It follows her career and controversial moments including her infamous Saturday Night Live appearance, her struggles with mental health, and her conversian to Islam. Release date is TBA.
Directed by George C. Wolfe (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom), written by Dustin Lance Black, and produced by Barack and Michelle Obama's production company Higher Ground, this film is a must-watch this year, especially with Coleman Domingo as civil and gay rights icon Bayard Rustin. Release date is TBA on Netflix.