Bid Eden (2000)

Director: Thomas Bezucha

Starring: Arye Gross, Eric Schweig, Tim DeKay

Big Eden is the childhood home of Henry Hart, a successful but lonely New York artist, who returns after years away to care for his ailing grandfather. Warmed by the openness and affection of old friends, in time Henry finds new possibilities for friendship and romance.

Henry (Arye Gross) works for an art gallery. When he gets news his grandfather is very ill – having suffered a stroke – he moves to Big Eden to be with him.

Dean (Tim DeKay), Henry’s friend from years ago, is back in town as well; now single. There soon is a hint of a spark between these two characters. ‘Big Eden’ is finally a gay movie that felt realistic, uncliched, and simply beautiful. The film has relatable characters I enjoyed, and cared for. One of my favourite characters, is Pike (Eric Schweig), a Native American I suspected of being gay, although it was never really all that clear from the beginning.

I enjoyed the story development as well as the character development. The film has a good soundtrack and features very good performances. This is a very subtle story of acceptance. I really enjoyed this.

‘Big Eden’ received 11 award nominations, winning 9 including Best Film, and Outstanding Actor in a Feature Film (for Eric Schweig).

Would I watch it again? Yes.