PLAINCLOTHES

(director/writer: Carmen Emmi; cinematographer: Ethan Palmer; editor: Erik Vogt-Nilsen; music: Emily Wells; cast: Tom Blyth (Lucas), Russell Tovey (Andrew), Maria Dizzia (Marie), Christian Cooke (Ron), Gabe Fazio (Uncle Paul), Amy Forsyth (Emily), John Bedford Lloyd (Lt. Sellars), Darius Fraser (Jeff), Alessandra Ford Balazs (Jessie); Runtime: 95; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Colby Colt, Arthur Landon, Eric Podwall, Vanessa Pantley; Lorton Entertainment; 2025)

“An impassioned LGBTQ+ undercover cop film.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

The directorial debut for Carmen Emmi is an impassioned LGBTQ+ undercover cop film set in the Syracuse of 1997. Emmi also writes the screenplay.

Lucas (Tom Blyth) is a closeted gay cop assigned to special task force in the local mall to its bathroom, a known queer pick-up spot. The special police unit entrap the gays and arrest them for violation of the sex code. Lucas could never tell his mother or late father or his repulsive Uncle Paulie (Gabe Fazio) he was gay, feeling comfortable to tell only his ex-girlfriend Emily (Amy Forsyth).

Flashbacks unfold with him and his family at gatherings, as he hides that he’s a broken man after falling in love with one of his marks, Andrew (Russell Tovey), he lets go free. He meets Andrew later hoping their good sex will lead to a lasting romance.

Blyth gives a sensitive performance, revealing outwardly his true inner feelings. It’s a social conscience indie that brings back a dark time in law enforcement. The B-film is a well-produced and unsettling film, but not an enjoyable one. It covers unethical policing policies that might be easy to see is wrong on hindsight.

It played at the Sundance Film Festival.

REVIEWED ON 2/18/2025  GRADE: B-
dennisschwartzreviews.com