Gay Soccer Players Find Love On and Off the Field in New Film Mario

There aren't too many gay-themed sports movies with the exception of 2016's queer-themed soccer movie The Pass, which starred Russell Tovey, and the 2000's sweet romantic comedy The Broken Hearts Club. Now, Mario, a new movie from Switzerland about footballers falling for each other beyond the locker room had its premiere at BFI Flare London LGBTQ Film Festival this week and will premiere in North America at Miami's Outshine Film Festival on April 21.

A love affair between two players on a pro soccer team ignites when the team's new striker Leon shares a rivalry and a flat with the the titular Mario, who's in denial about how his passion for the new guy. Despite Mario's inability to admit his queerness, the pair engages in a relationship that threatens to crush their careers and throw the entire team off balance if exposed. Will Mario choose love over his career?

Veteran Swiss filmmaker Marcel Gisler directed the film that stars Max Hubacher, Aaron Altaras, and Jessy Moravec. Watch the trailer below.