LGBTQ+ Shelter Film Review
Who doesn’t love a low budget, cheesy romance? Especially a cheese, low budget gay romance! Shelter was one of the first queer films that I ever watched and I loved it! To the point I’ve seen it several times and even made my husband watch it, I don’t think he was as impressed as I was though.
I honestly love this film, it came out in 2007 but it’s still a classic gay film in my life and one of my favourites. There will be spoilers in this post and they will be marked in italics in case you don’t want to spoil it.
Shelter Film Synopsis
Charged with the intensity of first love, this sweet and steamy California romance follows Zach, a young artist caught between his family and his future. Fresh out of high school, Zach sacrifices a full scholarship to care for his 5-year-old nephew, stuck in a dysfunctional family. Restless and stuck working at a diner, his life shifts when he meets Shaun, a confident writer in his thirties. As their secret romance blossoms, Zach begins to find the courage to pursue his true passions.
Overall Rating – 4.65/5
Want to know how I got my rating? Take a look below. I would highly recomment this film, it’s one of the better ones that I have in my collection.
Shelter Film Plot – 4.8
The plot flows throughout the entire film, it’s a little spotty in places but it’s still great. The whole hidden relationship between Zach and Shaun was fun and when they got found out it was actually pretty sweet with the love and support from their cloest friends and family. It’s a great film for younger gay people who need a little comfort and hope in their lives.
Shelter Film Acting – 4.5
Now of course the acting is going to be effected because it’s a low budget film and they can afford hollywood stars. That being said I thought the acting from most of the cast was pretty decent and although it lacks in places it still helps to flow throughout. Also there were no stunt doubles that looked terrible.
Shelter Film Questions
Have some questions about the LGBTQ+ film Shelter? Take a look at these Shelter film questions in my LGBTQ+ Shelter review.
Shelter Film Summary
Shelter is a heartfelt LGBTQ+ drama directed by Jonah Markowitz, which explores themes of self-discovery, love, and responsibility. The story follows Zach, a young man in his early twenties living in Southern California. Zach has put his dreams of becoming an artist on hold to take care of his nephew, Cody, and support his struggling family, including his sister Jeanne, who is a single mother.
Zach’s life takes a turn when his best friend’s older brother, Shaun, returns home. As Zach and Shaun reconnect, their friendship blossoms into a romantic relationship, which forces Zach to confront his feelings about his own sexuality. Torn between his obligations to his family and his emerging love for Shaun, Zach must navigate societal pressures, familial expectations, and his personal desires.
The film delicately portrays the complexities of coming to terms with one’s identity, especially in the face of family and societal responsibilities. Ultimately, Shelter is a story of love, acceptance, and finding the courage to live authentically, as Zach learns to embrace who he truly is while balancing his responsibilities to his family and his own happiness.
Shelter Film Actors
The main actors in the LGBTQ+ film Shelter (2007) are:
- Trevor Wright as Zach – The film’s protagonist, a young man struggling with his sexual identity and responsibilities to his family.
- Brad Rowe as Shaun – Zach’s love interest and his best friend’s older brother, who helps Zach come to terms with his feelings.
- Tina Holmes as Jeanne – Zach’s older sister, a single mother who depends on Zach to help care for her son.
- Jackson Wurth as Cody – Zach’s young nephew, for whom Zach feels a deep sense of responsibility.
- Ross Thomas as Gabe – Zach’s best friend and Shaun’s younger brother.
These actors bring depth and emotion to the film, creating a moving and authentic portrayal of love, family, and personal discovery.