1985 (2018)
A quiet, devastating portrait of a man carrying an unspeakable secret home for the holidays during the height of the AIDS crisis.
1985 - Movie Information
- Original Title: 1985
- Release Year: 2018
- Directed by: Yen Tan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 20, 2018 (United Kingdom - 15), April 25, 2019 (Australia), April 25, 2019 (Brazil)
- Alternative Titles: 1985年 (CN)
- Production Companies: MuseLessMime Productions, Cranium Entertainment, Floren Shieh Productions, RainMaker Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
1985 - Plot
Having been gone for three years, closeted advertising executive Adrian returns to his Texas hometown and struggles to reveal his dire circumstances to his conservative family.
1985 - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at this intimate, black-and-white drama:
In another time, at another place…
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1985 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Yen Tan
Main Cast
- Cory Michael Smith
- Virginia Madsen
- Michael Chiklis
- Jamie Chung
- Aidan Langford
- Ryan Piers Williams
- Michael Darby
- Bryan Massey
- Bill Heck
- Tina Parker
Writers
- Hutch Crane
- Yen Tan
Producers
- Hutch Crane
- Ash Christian
1985 - FAQs
Why is 1985 filmed in black and white?
Director Yen Tan chose black and white cinematography to evoke the visual aesthetic of the era and to lend the film a timeless, intimate quality. The monochrome palette strips away distraction, focusing attention on the emotional weight of Adrian's unspoken secret and the quiet tension within his family.
Is 1985 based on a true story?
1985 is not based on a single true story, but it draws on deeply personal and historically grounded themes. Director Yen Tan has spoken about the film reflecting the lived experiences of gay men during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, giving it a strong autobiographical and documentary emotional resonance.
What is 1985 about?
1985 follows Adrian, a closeted advertising executive living in New York who returns to his conservative Texas family for Christmas after a three-year absence. Carrying a devastating secret tied to the AIDS crisis, he struggles to connect with his parents and younger brother while navigating grief, identity, and silence.
Does Adrian reveal he has AIDS in 1985?
The film deliberately withholds a direct confession. Adrian never explicitly tells his family he has AIDS or is gay, yet the weight of his secret permeates every scene. The film's power lies in what remains unsaid, leaving audiences to sit with the tragedy of a man unable to be fully known by those he loves.
Who are the main actors in 1985?
1985 stars Cory Michael Smith as Adrian, Virginia Madsen as his mother Eileen, and Michael Chiklis as his father Dale. The supporting cast includes Jamie Chung as Carly, Aidan Langford as younger brother Andrew, and Ryan Piers Williams as Marc, Adrian's partner in New York.
Where can you stream 1985?
1985 is available to stream on MUBI and the MUBI Amazon Channel with a subscription. It can also be rented or purchased on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported viewing is available on The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home Free, Tubi TV, and Kanopy.
What is the age rating for 1985?
1985 is rated NR (Not Rated) in the United States. The film deals with mature themes including the AIDS crisis, family estrangement, and repressed sexuality, making it best suited for adult viewers. It received a 15 certificate in the United Kingdom upon its December 2018 release there.
How long is the film 1985?
1985 has a runtime of 86 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 26 minutes. Its compact length suits the film's restrained, intimate tone, keeping the focus tightly on Adrian's brief but emotionally charged Christmas visit with his family in small-town Texas.
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