Queer cinema is going from strength to strength! With huge 2018 releases such as Love, Simon and Bohemian Rhapsody, we were treated to some wonderful queer movies on the big screen this year. Now, what will 2019 hold in store?

Boy Erased

Following its 2018 release in US theatres, Boy Erased, which tells the story of a teenage boy forced into gay conversion therapy, is one of the queer movies set to hit Irish cinemas in 2019. The film features a star-studded cast including Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Lucas Hedges and Troye Sivan and is based on Garrard Conley’s memoir of the same name.

Rafiki

Rafiki was originally banned in its native Kenya as it was seen to be promoting homosexuality. It was the first ever Kenyan film to be featured at the Cannes Film festival and tells the story of two female students from a Kenyan housing estate who fall in love. Since then, it has featured prominently at other festivals and is rumoured for Irish general release in early 2019.

Mary Queen Of Scots

Mary Stuart’s attempt to overthrow her cousin Elizabeth I, Queen of England, finds her condemned to years of imprisonment before facing execution. Starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie, the film features a plethora of queer characters. Ronan told OUT Magazine, “In that time, sexuality was very fluid and very liberated.

“I think we’re definitely living in a time now where we’re encouraged to represent all walks of life as much as possible. And if you have the opportunity to do that and it’s keeping with the story, then absolutely, you should,” she added.

Girl

Girl tells the story of a young transgender woman on her journey to becoming a professional ballerina. The film is described as being “fearless in its exploration of gender issues.”

The film, by Lukas Dhont, featured at this year’s Cork Film Festival and is set for general release in Ireland on March 15, 2019.

Rocketman

Starring Taron Egerton and Bryce Dallas Howard, Rocketman is probably one of the most hotly anticipated queer movies of 2019. The movie explores the life and legacy of the legendary Elton John, from his years as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music through his influential and enduring musical partnership with Bernie Taupin.

The film is to be released for Irish audiences on May 24, 2019.

The Heiress

Chela (Ana Brun) and Chiquita (Margarita Irun) are two wealthy older lesbians who are slowly selling bits and pieces from their elegant home now that Chela’s inheritance has dwindled. Their situation escalates, sending one to prison and forcing the other to adjust to a new life.

Mapplethorpe

Mapplethorpe, starring Doctor Who‘s Matt Smith, will follow the life of famed queer photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and his life “from moments before he and Patti Smith moved into the famed Chelsea Hotel, home to a world of bohemian chic”, according to a press release. Directed by Ondi Timoner, Mapplethorpe explores the photographers artistic and sexual awakening in New York in the ’70s and ’80s and will be released in March.