Review of The Houseboy

Director Spencer Schilly and his cast turn a simple premise into an interesting examination of a polyamorous gay relationship and its impact upon views of self-worth in this sometimes light but often dark film.  Early in the film, the houseboy overhears one of the couple of lovers say that he thinks it time to get a newer model plaything, as the two prepare to head off for the holidays.

What gives the film its interest is not so much the boy's reaction (depression) but the reaction of the one-night stands that he entertains to his depression.  It paints a usually unkind and uncaring landscape of the gay encounter scene.

Having never been involved in a polyamorous relationship, I did not come away from The Houseboy with any clearer picture of it as an alternative lifestyle, but I did gain insight into the impact of rejection and alternative reactions to that emotion.

Genre: Gay themed comedy/drama

Director: Spencer Schilly

Language: English

Availability: DVD and streaming

99Gay-Men.us Rating: ***

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