Old Guys In Bed review, a romantic comedy by JP Bergeron

Indie Film Review

"Old Guys In Bed"

The sometimes reluctant search for genuine adoration from another gets an LGBTQ+ facelift…and succeeds in affecting style

We've all been there. Admit it. No matter how independent we believe we are, there's something resonating within that says "I desire to be loved". Yes, the hurt relationships can potentially bring do linger, sometimes marring our demeanor towards any further notions of being close in this manner. Still…we do have needs. Being open to even try again becomes the core element being explored through this indie feature film from writer/director/producer JP Bergeron that lends an affecting degree of emotional potency paired with a reality not always pictured in films like this….middle and older age.

The narrative here follows a gay film historian named Paul (Duff MacDonald) whose frustration in singleness leads his niece Caitlin (Joan Hart) to create an online dating profile for him. Yielding only shallow gratification at first, Paul ends up "meeting" Bill (Paul James Saunders), a humble, older Hungarian man who bonds deeply with him. How this entire affair proceeds is where the film takes things from there. But, make no mistake, it isn't quite as "simple" as that for either of the protagonists. And this is the beauty of the film from this point onwards.

The twists and turns that make up the unavoidable shifts in striving to truly discover someone who absolutely embraces us get fully delved into, and with an unflinching, emotively intense manner that sells you on Paul and Bill's story. Things get messy, feelings get hurt, endings suddenly appear more expected than continually fresh beginnings, especially from Paul's perspective, which much of this film actually does of course follow. It is an unapologetic and credible portrait of just how volatile finding love can be.

Even as these two men, whose lives and worlds in which they exist could not be further apart, strive to believe they can make things work out, nothing is ever an absolute guarantee. This is a facet that makes the film far more believable and grounded, rather than just launching us into "all is wine and roses" territory. Yes, there's a place for that, but it isn't here. This is human, this is "no one is perfect", this is misunderstandings, this is asking for forgiveness, this is seeing just how far we might go to see a bright future together.

Due to this approach, the thematic ventures that encompass certain "dangers" of loneliness, the non-satisfaction of insignificant sources to assuage our needs, the toll of long distance relationships, having to curb our inner paranoias when things seem to be going well and then are not, coping with that yearning for tenderness, being willing to change for the better, and accepting things as they ultimately turn out all have their time on screen, shared in manners that are stirring, compelling, relatable, and simply real.

There's also some additional exploration of these concepts as seen through the eyes of Paul's niece as well as his doggedly supportive life coach Doug (Domenic Di Rosa). Plus, let's also point out here that the entirety of this project is conveyed with a wonderfully effective mix of humour and drama, lightening the mood at times as much as it is hitting you square in the heart with more impactful instances. The writing is solid, giving us the whimsy and turmoil alike with smartly executed direction to accompany it that allows the film to flow smoothly and intelligibly. The finale is apropos, one that will touch your soul evocatively.

MacDonald carries a kinetically energetic air about him that so adeptly befits his role here as Paul, a middle-aged gay man, film historian, and closeted romantic who initially believes he's still better off single. This is at least until others around him find it necessary to remind him otherwise. Involuntarily (again, at first) signed up for an online dating app by his somewhat erratic but sane niece Caitlin, Paul journeys into the world of an older man he meets, with the connection they feel strongly affecting them both.

Whether they can endure the literal, and sometimes inward, distance between them becomes the focal point that will lead them down the path they pursue, and MacDonald is just excellent in his performance throughout, filling it with earnest and rousing authenticity. In a more subtle but no less valid and powerful way, Saunders masters the screen with understated prowess that makes you totally enamored with his character Bill, a man of limited means but a wealth of all that makes love possible contained within him. As he woos Paul, the genuineness of his feelings are never in question.

However, will this closeness allow for the love they both long for to blossom in a manner that can last? Or will the drastic differences in their realities potentially undermine things? Saunders is so hard not to fall in love with yourself when watching, as his calm, intentional, wholly poignant attitude that he infuses this character with is so overtly endearing. Hart is her own force of nature through her role as Caitlin, Paul's niece who really becomes the main catalyst for her uncle and Bill to get connected. Yet, she also battles her own love life and inner demons as well, and this can clash with Paul.

Hart gives this character both fierceness and vulnerability that emerges beautifully throughout the film, offering us a character that you do choose to root for along with Paul. Supporting turns arrive through Di Rosa as Doug, Michael Mast as cafe owner Bruce, Al Hamameh as Caitlin's "on again, off again" boyfriend Joseph, and Vlasta Vrana as Bill's own father Mr. Horvath. So, "Old Guys In Bed" is a magnificent, cathartic adventure in middle/old age love, proving it is never too late, showcasing the importance of knowing yourself and the one you cherish, and being open to whatever outcome it all leads to.