Shiner (2004)

REVIEW
One of the more shocking, original and daring films this year Christian Calson’s debut Shiner explores the dark crevices of love, desire and passion. The film revolves around three couples, whose intimate, intense and occasionally abusive relationships provide frameworks for love. Tony (Scott Stepp) and Danny (Derris Nile) are two longtime masculine friends whose kinks are to beat up other “fags” and then beat up each other, violence which ignites their rapid sexual desire. Tony’s roommate Elaine (Conny Van Dyke), on the rebound from a bad relationship, beds the initially normal Reg (Seth Harrington), but when an argument turns physical, it takes their intimacy to a new level. And then there is the timid mamma’s boy Bob (Nicholas T. King), a gay boy and gym attendant who creepily stalks the hunky boxer Tim (David Zelina), whose low self-esteem leads to an unexpected confrontation with Bob.

Raw, edgy, boldly sexual, violent, sometimes difficult to watch while remaining unbelievably compelling, Shiner makes for gripping viewing and certainly for much heated discussions afterwards.