‘Other People’s Bodies’: Alan Brown’s Queer Drama Set for World Premiere at NewFest

The landscape of queer cinema is set to expand with the arrival of “Other People’s Bodies,” directed by acclaimed gay filmmaker Alan Brown. The film, which will have its world premiere at NewFest on October 11, 2025, is being heralded as a bold, sensual exploration of queer desire and the tangled web of relationships that define modern LGBTQ+ life . At a time when representation and authenticity are more vital than ever, Brown’s latest work promises a nuanced, emotionally charged narrative centered on community, intimacy, and the long shadows cast by the past.

“Other People’s Bodies” is a queer reimagining of Jacques Deray’s 1969 French classic “La Piscine.” In the film, dancer Olivia and her husband Seb retreat to a secluded country house for a summer getaway, only to be joined by Olivia’s former best friend—and Seb’s ex-lover—Mateo. Mateo’s own dance career ended in tragedy, and his arrival with his youthful boyfriend Zaki reignites old passions, grievances, and regrets that have simmered since a painful betrayal cut their ties eight years prior . The drama escalates when Gabriella and her husband Fabian, both former dance colleagues with their own romantic history entwined with Olivia and Seb, join the gathering.

Over the course of a sweltering weekend, the house becomes a crucible for long-buried secrets and unresolved tensions. The film’s lens is unflinching: it captures not only the heat of desire but also the messiness and vulnerability of queer lives negotiating love, loyalty, and longing. Brown’s script foregrounds the realities of sexual fluidity, chosen family, and the ways in which the past lingers in every new encounter .

Alan Brown has established himself as a significant voice in queer cinema, with films recognized by the Sundance Grand Jury Prize, Outfest’s Grand Jury Award, and the Iris Prize, among others . Brown’s commitment to bringing authentic queer stories to the screen makes “Other People’s Bodies” a natural evolution of his work. His approach is rooted in empathy and complexity, eschewing stereotypes in favor of multidimensional characters whose sexualities and identities are integral but never reductive.

Brown’s own experiences as a gay man inform his filmmaking, and he has been quoted as seeking “to show queer lives in all their beauty, messiness, and emotional truth” . With “Other People’s Bodies,” he continues to challenge audiences to see the humanity in every relationship, regardless of configuration.

The ensemble cast features McKinley Belcher III, Jasai Chase-Owens, Julienne Hanzelka Kim, Adam Jepsen, Annie Parisse, and A.J. Shively. Their performances are expected to foreground the film’s emotional depth and authenticity, portraying relationships that span romantic, platonic, and familial bonds.

The production design and cinematography evoke the languid sensuality of the original “La Piscine” while injecting a distinctly queer sensibility. Set against the backdrop of a sun-drenched country estate, the film visually underscores the tension between surface calm and the turbulent emotions roiling beneath.

“Other People’s Bodies” stands out for its interrogation of queer relationships in a contemporary context. The film explores how sexual fluidity, open relationships, and chosen families shape the lives of its characters, reflecting broader shifts in LGBTQ+ culture . The narrative resists tidy resolutions, instead inviting viewers to consider how vulnerability and authenticity are central to queer experience.

The story also resonates with ongoing conversations about mental health and healing within LGBTQ+ communities. As the characters confront old wounds and new attractions, the film offers a nuanced portrait of how trauma, forgiveness, and resilience intersect in queer lives.

NewFest, New York City’s premier LGBTQ+ film festival, will host the world premiere of “Other People’s Bodies” on October 11, 2025 . The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Alan Brown and members of the cast, offering an opportunity for audience engagement and dialogue.

As part of a festival lineup that includes films exploring trans identity, queer resistance, and intersectionality, “Other People’s Bodies” contributes to a vibrant tapestry of stories that reflect the diversity and dynamism of the LGBTQ+ community .

Early buzz surrounding the film points to a strong reception among critics and audiences alike. The combination of a compelling narrative, stellar performances, and Brown’s deft direction has positioned “Other People’s Bodies” as a standout entry in the 2025 festival circuit.