RAID, directed by Noel Alejandro, is a cinematic exploration of hedonism set against the backdrop of Berlin's nightlife. Divided into four parts, the film portrays the lives of a group of queer men engulfed in desire, seamlessly intertwining sexual encounters with a somber narrative. The first episode, GUARDIAN ANGELS, introduces a passionate yet reckless interaction between characters Andreas and Jonathan, juxtaposed with the tragic backdrop of a friend’s lifeless body. Alejandro's approach marks a departure from his previous works, embracing darker themes with humor and critical reflections on chemsex and the increasing policing of gay spaces.
In a moment of reckless abandon, Andreas swigs from a bottle of cleaning fluid, drawing closer to Jonathan, who somberly reminds him of the lifeless body in the bathtub.
Noel Alejandro's aim shifts here. This is the first time I am not explicitly putting my cinema at the service of sex-positivity. The tone is darker, imbued with black humour.
The film drops us smack-dab in the middle of a wild party, where floral arrangements coalesce with sexual encounters, backed by a pulsating techno score.
RAID emerges as a poignant reflection on chemsex, intricately laced with satire and critique, exposing the rising raids on gay spaces.
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