The 2024 New York Film Festival has chosen Luca Guadagnino’s Queer to headline its Spotlight gala, with the film set to make its U.S. debut on October 6.
The adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novel is penned by Justin Kuritzkes, known for his work with Guadagnino on Challengers. The film features an ensemble cast including Daniel Craig, Drew Starkey, Jason Schwartzman, Lesley Manville, Michael Borremans, Andra Ursuta, and David Lowery.
Produced by The Apartment and Frenesy in collaboration with Fremantle North America, Cinecittà Spa, and Frame by Frame, Queer follows Craig in the role of William Lee, Burroughs’ alter ego and a frequent heroin user. Set in Mexico City during the late 1940s, the story delves into Lee’s romantic involvement with Eugene Allerton, portrayed by Starkey, a former military officer.
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross provide the film’s score.
NYFF artistic director Dennis Lim highlighted Guadagnino’s reputation as a bold and inventive filmmaker, noting that Queer stands out as “his most audacious, imaginative, and unexpected film,” offering Daniel Craig a career-defining role.
Guadagnino conveyed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m honored and excited to showcase Queer at NYFF for the third time. It’s a deeply personal film exploring the search for acknowledgment through the eyes of William Burroughs.”
The 62nd edition of the New York Film Festival, presented by Film at Lincoln Center, will occur from September 27 to October 14.