Our review: Beyto (2020 film)

In this article, Our review: Beyto (2020), we wanted to introduce you to this magnificent gay drama. Furthermore, we wanted to show you what the movie was about. What was the overall reception? And lastly, what was our opinion?

But firstly, let’s get to a few facts about the film. Beyto is a Swiss gay drama by Gitta Gsell from 2020. The premiere occurred on September 25, 2020, during the 16th Zurich Film Festival.

The plot

Nineteen-year-old Beyto has a bright future as both a valued member of the swim team and a motivated apprentice in his parents’ store. But when the handsome, hunky Turkish immigrant falls for Mike, his cocky, openly gay coach, his ideal world collapses. Shocked and ashamed at his declaration of love for Mike and determined to preserve tradition and family honor, Beyto’s parents lure their son to their home village with plans to marry him to his childhood friend, the lovely but clueless Seher. Seher is blown away by the chance of marriage to Beyto. In addition, she loved getting out of the tiny village and avoiding the dead-end fate of the other teenage girls around her. That’s why the conscience-stricken Beyto finds himself at the center of an unwanted love triangle. How does he find his way back to Mike without robbing Seher of her dreams? Subtle, sensual, and full of summer warmth, Gsell’s film tells the love story of three young people determined to step outside the hand that life has dealt them.

The reception

The Basler Zeitung remarks that the film makes the viewer compassionate and thoughtful. Furthermore, they also praised The acting performances of the two leading actors, Burak Ates and Dimitri Stapfer. However, they were more critical about the movie’s end, calling it cheesy.

Outnow praised the film’s focus on Beyto’s search for identity in the tension between the two cultures. However, they believe the film does not quite do justice to the complex topic.

The change of location between Switzerland and Turkey clearly illustrates the two worlds with their incompatible cultures, which nevertheless make up the identity of Beyto. It also shows how difficult it is to break with old thought patterns and traditions.

The weekly newspaper praises the lively narrative style of director Gitta Gsell. Unfortunately, the depth was missing. But characters in Swiss films rarely speak such an authentic dialect, even alternating it with Turkish.

Despite all that, the film won the audience at a film festival.

Our review of Beyto (2020 film)

We watched the movie and were completely mesmerized by it, even though we had to agree with the critics. Namely, the topic may have been too big for one and a half hours.

Nevertheless, what drew us most in the movie was that every character was sympathetic. We didn’t know who Beyto would disappoint at the film’s end.

We still strongly recommend it. If not for others, to see the social clash between modern European and more traditional Turkish society.

The conclusion of the Our review: Beyto (2020 film) article

At the end of the day we have to admit that the movie is more admirable for what it attempts to explore than how successful it is at achieving this. Having said that, it’s exploration of the complexities of being a gay immigrant from a homophobic culture feels new and thoughtful Even more, the challenges the film displays make it worth watching.

So, what do you think? Have you already watched the movie? If not, just share with us, which is your favorite gay movie. Namely, we’d love to read your opinions in the comments below.