It’s amazing what you can discover when life gets f*cked up.|Feb. 23, 2022|United States|104 Min.|n/A
Genre: Comedy;Drama
Description: “Three Months” (2022) is a film that explores various emotional themes but struggles to leave a lasting impact. The story revolves around Caleb (played by Troye Sivan), who faces a tense three-month wait to determine whether he has contracted HIV after a risky encounter. This uncertainty adds to the many challenges already weighing on Caleb’s mind.
Life in his Florida town isn’t easy—Caleb despises his job at a tourist-centric convenience store, where he works alongside his best friend, Dara (Brianne Tju). Despite it being high school graduation weekend, Caleb keeps his distance, reinforcing his persona as someone who’s “too cool for school.”
The film tackles broad themes related to growing up, identity, family, friendship, and community. Caleb’s strained relationship with his mother worsens after the sudden death of his father. His grandmother (Ellen Burstyn) resists moving out of the family home, despite encouragement from her partner (Louis Gossett Jr.). Meanwhile, Dara navigates a complicated relationship with her boss (Judy Greer).
During his wait, Caleb attends support groups for men living with HIV, where he meets Estha (Viveik Kalra), a reserved young man also awaiting his test results. Estha’s sexuality remains hidden from his parents, adding another layer of complexity to their lives.
“Three Months” attempts to address numerous emotional issues, often feeling overstretched and lacking depth. The film’s colorful opening, featuring Little Richard’s music, suggests a lively tone that quickly fades as the story progresses. By the third act, the narrative becomes laborious, with many of Caleb’s life lessons falling flat. Despite a strong supporting cast, the film fails to deliver meaningful insights, leaving viewers wanting more.
Cast director: Jared Frieder
Cast actor: Troye Sivan, Viveik Kalra, Brianne Tju, Ellen Burstyn, Louis Gossett Jr., Judy Greer, Amy Landecker, Javier Muñoz, Steven Sean Garland, Scott Johnson
Original name: Three Months