Richard Linklater’s “Blue Moon” Shines a Spotlight on Queer Broadway Legacy This October

This October, LGBTQ+ filmgoers and Broadway enthusiasts alike will converge for the debut of Richard Linklater’s “Blue Moon,” a biographical drama that promises to illuminate the life and struggles of Lorenz Hart, the influential but often overshadowed lyricist of the Rodgers and Hart songwriting duo. The film is scheduled for release on October 24, 2025, following a successful premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival where Andrew Scott received the Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance for his portrayal of Richard Rodgers .

Set on March 31, 1943—the opening night of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!”—the film follows Hart, portrayed by Ethan Hawke, as he navigates emotional turmoil, addiction, and the feeling of professional displacement after his long-time collaborator, Richard Rodgers (played by Andrew Scott), finds new creative success with a different partner . The narrative unfolds almost entirely in the iconic Sardi’s restaurant, capturing Hart’s vulnerability and the isolation of being a semi-closeted gay man in a heteronormative industry .

While Rodgers basks in the limelight, Hart’s internal struggles are brought into sharp focus, marked by his battles with alcoholism and depression—an unflinching look at the cost of living authentically when authenticity was rarely safe or celebrated .

“Blue Moon” stands apart for its commitment to telling Hart’s story not only as a tale of artistic partnership but also as a deeply queer narrative. Hart’s sexuality, which he was forced to conceal throughout his career, is woven into the film’s depiction of his relationships and loneliness, providing much-needed visibility to LGBTQ+ histories often erased or sanitized in mainstream retellings .

The casting of openly gay actor Andrew Scott further amplifies the film’s resonance within the queer community, offering both authenticity and nuance to the portrayal of complex queer figures from the past. The script, penned by Robert Kaplow, avoids sensationalism in favor of a thoughtful exploration of Hart’s vulnerabilities and contradictions .

After its world premiere in Berlin, “Blue Moon” has already generated critical acclaim, with reviewers praising Linklater’s nuanced direction and the “wry yet sensitive” performances from the ensemble cast, which also features Margaret Qualley and Bobby Cannavale . Early festival reactions highlight the film’s success in capturing the bittersweet legacy of creative partnerships and the personal costs of societal exclusion.

For LGBTQ+ viewers, “Blue Moon” is poised to be a touchstone for contemporary queer cinema—not only for its historical subject matter but also for its honest engagement with issues of identity, mental health, and the search for belonging. By foregrounding Hart’s struggles and triumphs, Linklater’s film contributes to the ongoing work of reclaiming queer stories from the margins of history.

As “Blue Moon” approaches its wide release, organizations and media outlets across the LGBTQ+ spectrum are preparing for special screenings and discussions, recognizing the film’s potential to spark vital conversations about hidden histories and representation in the arts. With its October premiere aligning with LGBTQ+ History Month in many countries, the film’s arrival is particularly timely, offering a reminder of the resilience and creativity that queer people have brought—and continue to bring—to every facet of cultural life.