A24’s Queer film, released in limited theaters on November 27, 2024, is a bold and introspective adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ 1985 novel of the same name. The cast of the queer film does a phenomenal job in bringing the characters to life. Revered for its unapologetic portrayal of queer desire and emotional vulnerability, the source material has long been considered a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ literature.
Cast of A24’s Queer Film
The Queer film and cast is directed by acclaimed auteur Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name, Bones and All), whose cinematic style is known for lush visuals and deeply personal storytelling. Screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes adapts Burroughs’ fragmented narrative into a coherent, poetic screenplay that captures both the beauty and torment of yearning.
Set against the atmospheric backdrop of post-war Mexico City, Queer explores themes of identity, longing, addiction, and emotional isolation, all through the lens of an outsider clinging to fragile human connection. With its haunting tone and immersive direction, the film stands as another bold entry in A24’s commitment to original, boundary-pushing cinema.
Let’s take a closer look at the cast of Queer Film—an ensemble that blends Oscar winners, rising stars, and global talent—and explore how each performer brings their character to life in this uniquely raw and poetic story.
Daniel Craig as William Lee
From 007 to Emotional Outsider
Daniel Craig trades in his spy gear for vulnerability as William Lee, a lonesome American expat who finds himself adrift in 1950s Mexico City. Known worldwide for his role as James Bond in five blockbuster films, Craig is a BAFTA nominee and critically acclaimed stage actor, showcasing his impressive range here in a quietly devastating performance.
The cast of the Queer film, Craig’s portrayal of Lee is filled with emotional restraint, exploring queer longing, addiction, and a desperate search for connection. It’s one of his most intimate and stripped-down roles to date.
Drew Starkey as Eugene Allerton
Breakout Role Beyond Outer Banks
Drew Starkey, best known for his role as Rafe Cameron in Netflix’s Outer Banks, delivers a breakthrough performance as Eugene Allerton, a former soldier and object of Lee’s intense affection. Starkey captures the ambivalence and allure of Allerton with subtle charisma, establishing himself as an actor capable of emotional depth.
With Queer, Starkey continues his rise in the industry, and fans of his past work will appreciate this turn toward dramatic, character-driven cinema.
Lesley Manville as Mrs. Murphy
British Stage Royalty in a Complex Role
Oscar-nominated Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris) plays Mrs. Murphy, a fellow expat who becomes a keen observer of Lee’s spiraling emotional state. Manville, a BAFTA Award winner, brings sharp intelligence and nuance to the character, grounding the film with maturity and insight.
Her interactions with Craig’s character provide moments of clarity and tension, contributing to the film’s emotional layering.
Jason Schwartzman as Lewis
Wes Anderson Favorite, Takes a Darker Turn
Known for his quirky roles in Wes Anderson films like Rushmore and The French Dispatch, Jason Schwartzman steps into the character of Lewis, a sarcastic and guarded member of the expat circle. Schwartzman balances levity with melancholy, embodying the type of emotionally wounded cynic Burroughs often wrote about.
His role in Queer might be one of his most grounded and dramatic performances yet.
Henrique Zaga as Manuel
Brazilian Star Expands His Range
Henrique Zaga (13 Reasons Why, The New Mutants) brings heart and heat as Manuel, a local Mexican character whose interactions with the American expats add cultural tension and sensuality to the story. Zaga’s performance is magnetic and heartfelt, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
As a rising star in both U.S. and Latin American cinema, Zaga’s role in Queer will likely elevate his global profile.
Omar Apollo as Ricardo
Music Star Makes Acting Debut
Genre-defying musician Omar Apollo makes his acting debut as Ricardo, a charming and mysterious figure in Lee’s orbit. Known for his Latin Grammy-nominated album Ivory, Apollo brings a natural charisma to the screen that mirrors his musical stage presence.
Fans of Apollo’s music will enjoy seeing his transition into film, where his performance feels personal and effortlessly cool.
What to Expect from Queer
Set in 1950s Mexico City, Queer follows William Lee, a disillusioned American who spends his days in relative isolation, often numbing his solitude with substances and casual encounters. Everything changes when he meets Eugene Allerton, a fellow expat whose enigmatic presence awakens in Lee a longing for connection, intimacy, and perhaps even love.
Guadagnino’s direction is sensual and immersive, supported by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s haunting score, and Sayombhu Mukdeeprom’s stunning cinematography (Call Me By Your Name). The film is a quiet, powerful meditation on queerness, alienation, and desire.
FAQs About the Cast of Queer Film (2024)
Queer is based on the semi-autobiographical novel by William S. Burroughs, drawing from his experiences in Mexico during the 1950s.
The film was released in limited theaters on November 27, 2024, and is expected to be available on streaming platforms via A24’s digital distribution later in 2025.
The film is directed by Luca Guadagnino, known for Call Me By Your Name and Bones and All. His work often explores themes of love, longing, and identity.
While Craig has portrayed queer-coded characters before, Queer is his most explicitly LGBTQ+ lead role, marking a major shift from his iconic James Bond persona.
No, the film’s score was composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, but Apollo’s musical background certainly influences his screen presence and rhythm as a performer.
Queer received an R rating due to its mature thematic content, including:
Explicit depictions of sexuality and queer desire
Strong language
Substance use
Emotional intensity and psychological themes related to isolation and obsession
The film handles these elements with sensitivity and artistic intention, but the raw and unfiltered nature of the content makes it more appropriate for adult audiences.
Queer was filmed on location in Mexico City, capturing the authentic atmosphere and architecture of the early 1950s. The production made use of historically preserved neighborhoods and vintage set design to recreate the era, lending the film a richly immersive and period-accurate aesthetic. Director Luca Guadagnino is known for shooting on location to enhance realism, and Queer is no exception.
Final Thoughts – Why the Cast of Queer Makes This A Must-Watch
With a rich ensemble led by Daniel Craig and visionary direction by Luca Guadagnino, Queer is an emotionally resonant film that takes risks—both in theme and performance. Whether it’s seeing Craig in a bold, vulnerable new role, or watching fresh talents like Omar Apollo and Drew Starkey evolve onscreen, the cast of Queer delivers compelling performances that elevate this haunting period drama.
Keep an eye out for award-season buzz and streaming updates, and be sure to experience Queer—an A24 film that refuses to shy away from the complicated messiness of the human condition.
