Watch Cicada

Cicada is an intimate and emotional drama film from 2020, written, directed, and starred in by Matthew Fifer alongside Sheldon D. Brown. The film follows the story of Ben (Fifer), a bisexual man struggling with mental health issues, who begins a passionate relationship with Sam (Brown), an African American man dealing with his own trauma.

The story of Cicada is a deeply personal exploration of queer identity, mental illness, and the complexities of human connection. The film is a beautiful and challenging examination of these themes, portraying the characters with stunning honesty and compassion. Set in contemporary New York City, the film draws inspiration from Fifer's own experiences as a queer and Jewish man, as well as from Brown's own journey with mental illness.

The film begins by introducing us to Ben, a frustrated and anxious man grappling with depression and suicidal ideation. We see him struggling to find meaningful work, trying to build connections with friends and family, and grappling with the trauma of past abusive relationships. Despite all this, he retains a sense of humor and a sharp wit, which endears him to the people around him.

Enter Sam, a charming and outgoing man working as a chef in a local restaurant. The two men meet by chance and quickly find themselves drawn to one another. Despite some initial misunderstandings and miscommunications, their relationship deepens over time, and they come to rely on each other for emotional support and companionship.

What follows is a powerful and emotional exploration of the challenges that these two men face as they navigate their relationship amid the backdrop of their individual struggles with trauma and mental illness. Ben's self-hatred and shame around his sexuality clash with Sam's unwillingness to confront his own struggles, leading to tense and sometimes explosive confrontations. Throughout it all, however, the film never loses sight of the love and connection that these two men share.

One of the standout features of Cicada is its powerful use of sound and music. The film's score was composed by collaborator Kieran McGuinness, and it masterfully weaves together ambient sounds and haunting melodies to create an immersive and emotional experience for the viewer. The film also features a number of original musical performances by Fifer and Brown, showcasing their talents as both actors and musicians.

Overall, Cicada is a beautiful and moving work of cinema, one that offers a deeply personal and empathetic view of its characters and their struggles. It is a film that speaks to the power and resilience of queer love and community, and to the importance of finding connection and understanding in a world that too often isolates us. For anyone looking for a thoughtful and emotionally resonant drama, Cicada is a must-see.

Cicada is a 2020 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 66.