You know what we want to see more of on our screens?
Gay content.
Thankfully we’ve been very lucky recently and were given the opportunity to have an advanced screening of “Exteriors” – a Mark Schwab production telling three unique stories that centre around dating in the gay world and just a handful of the complications that come with it.
Review time
So, we’re not going to go too deep into a scene by scene breakdown of the movie, we want you all to watch it for yourself and take it in without too many spoilers, but we will give you a nod in the right direction of what to expect in advance.
Now let’s make it very clear, Exteriors isn’t your typical romance movie, so don’t set yourself the expectation that it’s about to be a loved up montage by any means. What the movie does is takes us on three different journeys that give an insight into what goes on behind closed doors and the nitty gritty reality that rose tinted glasses only get you so far.
What you’re going to watch is a movie that hasn’t been over-produced and instead brings a very real-life vibe with just a touch of dramatic flare for entertainment purposes, whilst allowing each of the stories to be believable, relatable and grounded. Though we may not have all gotten into quite the same dilemmas as these characters, the overarching themes will definitely strike a nerve and hopefully leave you knowing you’re not alone in your experiences.
In a way you’re watching three short films in one, so it’s actually quite perfect for a night in as at the end of each story you’ve got a clear time to pause and top up your drink/snacks or even go reflect a little on how you’ve handled something similar in your own life. Unlike movies we’ve seen in the past, there isn’t a back and forth timeline or blending of multiple story arcs, so you can ease into this one knowing that it’s just a straight up start to finish each time.
Without spoilers, the first in the trio of tales has a very wholesome feel from the beginning but it quickly flips the script and gives a brutal look at the truth behind a lot of relationships within the world of gay dating that we should all be comfortable discussing with each other. This is followed by a more heart-breaking look into the struggles of mental health and the impact it can have on people’s perceptions of reality, as well as how others can help them. We then end with a straight up drama moment that initial appears to have some predictability but throws in a cheeky little plot twist to keep you on your toes.
Something that was quite fun in two of the stories was the way in which there’s a very clear nod to your typical porn storylines, without giving too much away let’s just say that we had absolutely zero complaints about a certain handsome hunk in a private pool.
Each of the storylines does leave things open for a follow up, so we’re interested to see if there will be an Exteriors 2 as there’s definitely unfinished business among characters.
Interview with Fernando
You didn’t think we’d be doing a review without chatting to one of the cast did you?
The absolutely gorgeous Fernando blessed us with some time time to chat and get a deeper insight into both himself and the movie, let’s dive straight in!
First things first, we have to ask, how has the transition been from Disney host to actor?
Well, I trained all my life since third grade as a theatre actor so it was actually a switch to being on camera that was the learning curve. The camera catches everything, so you have to be grounded and authentic in a different way and that took me a minute of getting used to. Professionally, it’s had its highs and very low lows. The pandemic and strikes didn’t help, but things are starting to bounce back.
What has your experience been like securing roles as an openly queer man?
Being an actor and securing roles is hard in general. Being of marginalized groups doesn’t help, but it certainly has made me realize I only enjoy portraying queer characters.
Can you tell us about your character in Exteriors?
I love Kenny. In Exteriors he’s come along way from Brotherly Lies, the prequel to Exteriors. He’s a warm hearted, bit lost kinda guy. Yes, he knows who he is, but he’s always still learning new things about himself, love, and sex, and the fine balance between them all. Much like most of us.
Do you share any real life experiences with the character?
I do. We both know what it’s like to have a connection with someone and follow where that leads whether for good or bad.
What part of the story do you think is going to have viewers hooked the most?
The grey sweatpants. Also, the genuine connections and coincidences between the characters.
How was the chemistry among cast members behind the scenes?
It was fantastic. We all got along great, and I’m still good friends with some. Late nights in the hot tub after filming with some wine also helped.
What was your favourite part of being part of this incredible movie?
Working with Mark again, the director/writer/producer. He’s a gem and I would do practically anything he asks. It was also great stepping back into a character because as actors that doesn’t get to happen often.
Finally, on a wholesome note, could you offer any advice to a younger queer person looking to pursue a career in TV/film?
Learn everything you can, watch all the things that excite you, but most importantly be true to yourself and never hide away from that. Loving and believing in yourself, in a non narcissistic way, will take you farther than anything else can in life.
We’re sure that at this point you’re at least (bi)curious and wondering exactly what take the movie has on the gay dating world, we know we would be.
The highly anticipated film Exteriors has just made its premier on Gay Binge TV, so grab yourselves some snacks, snuggle up and go have a watch!
