A Queer Review of the Austin Film Festival (2023)
Highlighting the many ways in which AFF 2023 illustrated that the queer experience is not a monolithic one.

Aaron Schwartz has one big dream...to become famous - REALLY famous so he's figured out the surefire way to achieve his dream, becoming an infamous serial killer. The one big problem is: he can't kill a fly. After years of failed attempts, Aaron surrenders into a comfortable marriage and the obligatory doll drum job, steadily losing hope for his lifelong aspiration. But with news of a real serial killer on the loose in his hometown, Aaron sees a unique opportunity and his final chance to make his childhood dream into a reality. Perhaps he can use his obsessive knowledge of serial killers to track down the local murderer and learn from the best. Then again, maybe some dreams just aren't meant to be achieved.
Highlighting the many ways in which AFF 2023 illustrated that the queer experience is not a monolithic one.
In all honesty, “Black and Blue” is a satisfying experience, complete with solid craftsmanship. With the help of cinematographer Dante Spinotti, Deon Taylor (the director) creates a murky, lived in atmosphere.
A direct fall into the white savior narrative
I hate the idea that animation’s for kids; just because it’s animated doesn’t mean that it’s some silly cartoon and shouldn’t be taken seriously.
It’s dark, uncomfortable, and there are things that don’t make sense.