PEAKLIFE

By Kratika Agarwal

Pride Month brings us together to celebrate stories that beautifully capture the struggles and triumphs of self-discovery. Today, diverse and captivating tales of love and acceptance are appreciated worldwide. And with the rise of OTT platforms, queer content is more readily available than ever before. Here, we have put together a watch list with LGBTQ+ narratives to light up your screens and fill your hearts with joy. Happy streaming and Happy Pride!

1. Fire Island

This rom-com film follows two best friends who embark on a memorable weekend with their group of friends at Fire Island, a renowned gay vacation destination in New York. This film beautifully explores themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery in a vibrant and entertaining setting.

Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar

2. The Ultimatum: Queer Love.

The latest iteration of the dating reality show ‘The Ultimatum’ features five queer couples, where one partner is offering the other an ultimatum—marry or move on. This drama-filled and exciting series offers viewers a glimpse into the nuances and experiences of queer relationships.

Where to watch: Netflix

3. The Last of Us

This highly anticipated HBO adaptation of the popular video game features Joel (played by Pedro Pascal), a survivor in a post-apocalyptic world, who embarks on a journey with teenager Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey). Ellie’s queerness adds depth and diversity to the plot and its many characters.

Where to watch: Jio Cinema

4. Class

The much loved Spanish series ‘Elite’ now has an Indian adaptation—Class. The eight-episode show follows the lives of three students from a poor neighbourhood who join a high school for Delhi’s elite. The series incorporates a compelling queer storyline, showcasing the challenges and complexities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a high school setting.

Where to watch: Netflix

5. Valley of a Thousand Hills

Set in South Africa, this film tells the story of Nosipho, a young woman betrothed to a man chosen by her domineering father. However, she is secretly in love with another Zulu woman. The movie highlights the struggle between familial expectations and personal happiness, the complexities of identity, and cultural norms.

Where to watch: Netflix

6. Cobalt Blue

Taking place in mid-1990s India, this film revolves around siblings Tanay and Anuja, who both develop feelings for a handsome houseguest. The film is based on Sachin Kundalkar’s novel and explores themes of desire, betrayal, and societal acceptance.

Where to watch: Netflix

7. Smiley

This Spanish romantic comedy show provides a lighthearted and entertaining viewing experience. Based on the play by Guillem Clua, Smiley follows the story of two characters, a bartender and an architect, who explore their relationship and the complexities of love.

Where to watch: Netflix

8. Heartstopper

This adaptation of Alice Oseman’s web comic and graphic novel is a British coming-of-age romantic comedy show on Netflix. It tells the story of Charlie, a gay schoolboy, as he navigates his feelings for his classmate Nick and the ups and downs of teenage life. The series also delves into the lives of their friends, exploring themes of friendship, self-discovery, and acceptance.

Where to watch: Netflix

9. Crush

A movie that revolves around a young high school student named Paige, Crush explores themes of love, romance, and self-discovery. The protagonist finds herself torn between her dream girl and a new girl she develops strong feelings for, leading to heartfelt moments and relatable experiences.

Where to watch: Disney+Hotstar

10. Knock at the Cabin

This apocalyptic horror film features a gay couple, who are faced with a twisted choice that can impact thousands. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the movie is filled with suspense, terror, and thought-provoking themes.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

11. Queen Charlotte

The hugely famous show ‘Bridgerton’ enriches its universe by introducing its first-ever queer love story. This hearty romance brings passionate vigour to the pages of the author’s sheet, rivalling the steaminess of Daphne-Simon, Anthony-Kate, and Charlotte-George’s relationships. Reynolds and Brimsley, the loyal servers of the king and the queen, ignite a passionate connection that captures the essence of the series’ captivating love stories, complete with shaken dining tables, destroyed bed-heads, and clandestine garden romps.

Where to watch: Netflix