UK : David’s Birthday comes to DVD on June 13

A stunningly-shot and beguiling ode to the all-encompassing pull of desire, David's Birthday stands out as an example of gay European Cinema at its most potent.

Two married couples head out to the stunning Italian coast for an ideal holiday in the sun. With both Diego and Shanny,and Matteo and Francesca’s relationship seemingly solid and unflappable, the group of friends settle in for a typically serene beach holiday.

But when Diego and Shanny’s young lithe son David arrives, it quickly becomes evident that it is not just the young girls on the beach who are drawn to his Adonis-like beauty. When Matteo finds he too is struggling to keep his secret desire under wraps the situation heads down an increasingly dangerous path.

Pulsating with a rare eroticism (David’s sexuality literally drips off the screen), David’s Birthday expertly weaves its way toward an operatic crescendo.

Buy it

David’s Birthday (UK)
David’s Birthday (USA)

Facts

Rating: 15 tbc
Genre: Drama
Running time: 106 mins approx
Country of origin: Italy
Cast: Alessandro Gassman, Maria de Medeiros