The Abraham Lincoln documentary “Lover of Men” is coming soon to ask the question, “Was Abraham Lincoln queer?” Now, some historians are sure he wasn’t, in spite of the historical closet keeping queer public figures under deep cover until the latter part of the 20th century. In fact, until not very long ago, it was considered bad taste to even ask the question. But in the past few decades a new wave of historical thought has prompted everyone to look a little more deeply at the private life of one of America’s most historically significant presidents. Based on a wide variety of source material, including never before seen photos and letters, and including experts like historian Hugh Ryan (“When Brooklyn Was Queer”), this film from Shaun Peterson will delve into the details as they’re known today, and why Lincoln’s sexuality might be relevant to history. It hits theaters in September, so take yourself back to school.
“Oh. What. Fun.” With Devery Jacobs. For the holidays.
Since her breakout appearances in “Reservation Dogs” and “Rutherford Falls,” queer Mohawk actress Devery Jacobs has been popping up everywhere, from the LGBTQ+ cheerleading drama “Backspot” to Disney+’s Marvel show “Echo.” Now she’s part of “Oh. What. Fun.,” an ensemble Christmas comedy from director Michael Showalter (“The Idea of You”). Michelle Pfeiffer stars as a woman who gets, essentially, Home Alone–d by her adult children when she’s left behind from a holiday excursion she organized. They then scramble to find her since she’s the person who makes everyone’s holidays magical. Jacobs co-stars in the film alongside a bevy of faves, including Chloë Grace Moretz, Eva Longoria, Felicity Jones, Jason Schwartzman, Havana Rose Liu (“Bottoms”), Denis Leary, Joan Chen, Danielle Brooks and Dominic Sessa (who you know from his debut in “The Holdovers”). It drops later this year on Prime Video, so you’ve got time to plan an LED-light-covered sweater viewing ensemble.
Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer join ‘Blade Runner 2099’
You knew it wasn’t going to end with “Blade Runner 2049” and your gut instinct was correct. Ridley Scott has more to say and in “Blade Runner 2099,” a new limited series for Prime created by Silka Luisa (“Shining Girls”), the stories of replicants and their souls will move forward into the future. It’s a sequel, of course, to “2049,” but no significant plot details are public, yet the cast roster already has a legend in Academy Award-winner Michelle Yeoh and a rising star in trans actress Hunter Schafer (“Kinds of Kindness,” “Euphoria”). One detail we know: Yeoh will play a replicant near the end of her life. And that’s it. Intrigued as to whether the series will answer the question of androids dreaming of electric sheep (bookish types: IYKYK)? Tune in… well, sometime before 2099 when it finally comes together and streams itself into your life.
Jonathan Bennett and Luke MacFarlane keep on Hallmarking
In these trying times, it’s always nice to have a source of 24/7 coziness, and Hallmark Channel is stepping in to fill that void with Hallmark+, a new streaming service launching in September. This new platform will feature not just your favorite fake-snow Christmas movies but also original content, including two new reality shows featuring the network’s most popular gay leading men. Jonathan Bennett hosts “Finding Mr. Christmas,” a competition show in which ten hunky actors compete to become the next Hallmark Christmas leading man; he’ll be aided by the very funny Melissa Peterman as they put these would-be Hallstars through their paces. Meanwhile, “Bros” star Luke Macfarlane — an accomplished woodworker in his off hours — will help people renovate their homes on “Home Is Where the Heart Is,” and in each episode, he’ll handcraft a signature piece for the family he’s helping. Comfort viewing ahead; boozy hot cocoa sold separately.
Romeo San Vicente recommends “A People’s History of The United States”
