Released in 2015, AKRON is a Hulu hidden gem for those of us attending The University of Akron. Written by Brian O’Donnell and directed by O’Donnell and Sasha King, the film follows two University of Akron students Benny (Matthew Frias) and Christopher (Edmund Donovan) as they meet and fall in love, but run into conflict when a dark past experience comes to light.
The film won multiple awards like Best LGBT Feature Film at the Columbus International Film + Video Festival for its LGBT representation. Loved by gay-cinema lovers for its ability to craft a plot out of two gay men without a conflict directly related to their identity as gay men, it is a story in which the two leads happen to be gay. Because of this, the film may be an important watch for those searching out LGBT representation in film.
In a statement from the film’s website, the film is described as inspired by O’Donnell’s discussions of representation with friends. The statement continues, “[I]t became obvious that people are ready to hear stories that include gay characters but are not primarily concerned with the characters’ sexuality…gay men and lesbians are a natural and essential part of the fabric of society, part of the family. AKRON shows what it is like when gay men don’t have to leave their families for acceptance, where people are not so different after all. Where people can love each other for who they are.”
As a University of Akron student, it is fun to watch their story take place against the setting of my university (although, I was disappointed to see they had filmed at a secondary college location as well). The two leads attend a softball game, flirt outside Gallucci (R.I.P), cuddle in the middle of Coleman Commons, and take strolls downtown.
Although the scripting, acting and other technical aspects of the film aren’t of Oscar trajectory, the film was certainly worth spending 88 minutes of my day, and still an enjoyable watch nonetheless.
Watch the trailer here.