Keep the Lights On

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  • Opened September 7, 2012 (NY, LA)
  • 1 hr 43 min

  • Keep the Lights On chronicles the emotionally and sexually charged journey through the love, friendship, and addiction of two men in New York City. Documentary filmmaker, Erik (acclaimed Danish actor Thure Lindhardt in his first leading role in a U.S. film), and closeted lawyer, Paul (Zachary Booth, Damages) meet through a casual encounter, but they find a deeper connection and become a couple. Individually and together, they are risk takers—compulsive, and fueled by drugs and sex. In an almost decade-long relationship defined by highs, lows, and dysfunctional patterns, Erik struggles to negotiate his own boundaries and dignity while being true to himself. Full synopsis

  • Cast: Thure Lindhardt, Zachary Booth, Julianne Nicholson, Souleymane Sy Savane, Paprika Steen
  • Director: Ira Sachs
  • Genres: Art House/Foreign, Drama

What's the Buzz?

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Fans say So-So
283 fans
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Critics say Go
79 out of 100
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Fan Reviews

Must Go!
a MUST GO for anyone interested in gay relationships

by littlejimmy4

the story of two new york gay men in the late 90's is fiercely accurate, poignant and ultimately a story larger than the sexuality of its characters. this film begins with beautiful imagery, a...

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Authentic

by davideye

Serious, realistic portrayal of a problematic relationship. Happens to be between two men. Well written, directed, and acted....

Oh No!
Keep the Lights On

by holly 1 golightly

Let's hope for a "BLACKOUT"!!!!!!!!!! This has got to be the worst, dated, insulting gay movie ever to come along!!!! Considering the time span!!! they seem to be in a timewarp!!!! Visually and...

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Critic Reviews

100
Entertainment Weekly
| Owen Gleiberman

Lindhardt, sweet and childish and achingly vulnerable, gives a stunning performance. Read full review

88
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
| Calvin Wilson

The performances are first-rate, with Lindhardt particularly moving as a guy who's in deep denial about just how much he can expect from a relationship with an addict. Read full review

88
Chicago Sun-Times
| Roger Ebert

By dropping in on this couple from time to time for the kinds of moments one of them might remember, the film is more honest than its characters. Read full review

85
NPR
| Bob Mondello

The film, though, is as sure-footed as their partnership is not - a nuanced portrait of emotional turmoil, persuasively acted, richly sensual one moment, wrenching the next, and unlike so many films centering on gay characters, not particularly concerned with things like coming out or HIV. Read full review

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Thure Lindhardt and Zachary Booth in "Keep the Lights On."