Movie Review: Bedrooms and Hallways

This British comedy from 1998 has the wonderful Jennifer Ehle in a supporting role. I loved her in Pride and Prejudice and more recently in The King's Speech. Other familiar faces are a trimmer Simon Callow from Four Weddings and a Funeral and Kevin McKidd from Grey's Anatomy.

Bedrooms and Hallways grossed just under $17,000 in its opening weekend here in the United States. It played one screen. Maybe that's why it escaped my radar.

While watching the movie I had several bursts of laughter that felt good. As one Netflix reviewer said, "it's a cross between Friends and Absolutely Fabulous." I think that's a good comparison. It's also a wonderful spoof on group therapy. I also liked how the gay and straight friends supported each other.

The movie centers around Leo played by Kevin McKidd. The opening shows his friends gathered for a surprise birthday party. We have no idea how everyone is connected and why Leo is unhappy. At the end I didn't feel like a stranger to the group. The movie takes us back in time to understand each relationship better.

Synopsis from Netflix: "At the suggestion of a friend, gay Leo (Kevin McKidd) enters therapy after many failed relationships make him fear for his social life. In a group session (led by Simon Callow), Leo comes clean about his feelings for a straight member of the group (James Purefoy), which leads to an affair between the two. The situation becomes further complicated by the appearance of Leo's high school sweetheart (Jennifer Ehle), who still has feelings for him."

With wit and sophistication, Bedrooms and Hallways delights. This will appeal to all audiences both gay and straight. The movie offers up strong performances and engaging dialogue from the heart.

Rob's Rating: 4/5

What do you think about this question: Can gay and straight men be friends?