Defying Gravity (1997): A Clumsy But Honest Look at Love in the Closet
Griff wants to maintain just a superficial relationship with his all-gay boyfriend, who gets seriously wounded in a gay bashing.
Some films hit you with polish and star power. Defying Gravity hits you with heart, nerves, and a whole lot of earnestness. Shot in under two weeks with mostly unknown actors, this 1997 indie flick stumbles in places — but somehow lands on its feet.
It’s not perfect. But it’s real.
Frat Boys, Secrets, and One Silent Relationship
Griff (Daniel Chilson) is a college frat boy who’s got it all figured out — except for, you know, his actual feelings. Pete (Niklaus Lange), his not-so-secret lover, wants more than late-night hookups and hush-hush exits. He wants breakfast. Conversations. Maybe a date.
“I want to wake up next to you, read the paper, have breakfast… maybe even go out on a date.”
The story heats up when Pete becomes a victim of a brutal hate crime. Suddenly, Griff is forced to stop running, stop pretending, and decide what kind of man he really wants to be.
The Acting? Meh. The Emotions? Raw.
Let’s be honest — the acting won’t blow your mind. Some of it feels like a rehearsal that made it to the final cut. But underneath the stilted lines and awkward pacing, there’s a genuine pulse.
Griff’s struggle is messy and inconsistent, just like real life. His emotional growth doesn’t come with grand gestures — it comes in hesitant steps, clumsy silences, and one quietly powerful hospital visit.
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It’s Not About Perfection — It’s About Trying
If you’re looking for cinematic perfection, look elsewhere. But if you want a film that reflects the fear, shame, and slow courage that often comes with coming out — this one has value. Especially for anyone who’s ever loved someone in secret.
“I need your help to figure some stuff out.”
That line alone earns the film its stripes.
Final Take in Defying Gravity (1997)
Defying Gravity may feel like a time capsule of 90s queer indie cinema, but its emotional core still speaks to today’s audience. It’s not polished, but it’s sincere — and sometimes, that’s exactly what a story like this needs.
