This movie to me is more to the tune of "The Boys in the Band" and other EARLY gay films that focuses on the gay lifestyle, "flaming style" in the big city. I'm still trying to figure out why I wanted to see this one. I think I must have bought it by accident. Nevertheless, it is a spoof about a group of very openly gay and lesbian people working on the staff of a crazy flamboyant TV soap Opera. It showcases their relationships, lust and personality traits. It is ok if you are into films of this nature. Not really my cup of tea but it did hold my attention enough that I didn't want to turn it off without seeing the whole thing. Perhaps that was in the hopes something would show up later in the film to take away the disappointment. I don't know. An indy film, thus quality is not expected to be at Hollywood status and of course wasn't. Not bad all in all if you like this type of production. Be sure to read to description carefully so you know what you're getting.

Recently released for the first time on DVD, the 1994 dark comedy "Grief" stars Alexis Arquette, Jackie Beat, Craig Chester and Illeana Douglas as the creative team behind a sleazy TV soap called "The Love Judge". Chester plays Mark, the show's head writer, a gay man who goes into depression on the 19th of each month (the anniversary of his lover's death to AIDS). His co-workers include his best friend Jeremy (Carlton Wilborne) and young sexy Bill (Arquette), who is always talking about his girlfriend but still flirts openly with his male co-workers. Their boss and "den mother" of sorts is Jo (played deadpan by draq queen Jackie Beat), whose assistant Leslie (Douglas) counts the minutes until she can sell a screenplay she is writing and quit her job. They get involved in impossible work deadlines, homophobic office politics from above, a secret affair and resulting jealousy, and competition for Jo's job when she announces she is leaving to marry her boyfriend in Prague.

Believeable, fleshed-out characters in a setting that is just crazy enough to make it credible. It's not much of a story, but you feel you know the characters and root for them to overcome their personal demons, whatever they may be. You also get peeks at their TV show, which is a wild satirical take on "Divorce Court"-type shows. Overall, a positive message about friendship and loyalty, in a business where usually it's "everyone for himself."

The film is a ten year old low-budget indie, and looks it. The photography is lacking in spots, but the story and acting makes it worth while. Nominated for prizes at the 1994 Sundance festival and at a couple of gay film festivals.

This was a really "cute" film. I wasn't expecting much, so was pleasantly surprised to find good acting, good plot, laugh-out-loud lines, good-looking actors (male & female), and a "message." Don't overlook this sleeper. Needs a different title though.