Kaos explores a rarely seen gay experience – and defies a major trope

As a queer individual who has spent years navigating through the complexities of representation in media, I can confidently say that Kaos is a breath of fresh air. This show not only embraces queerness but weaves it into its very fabric, making it an integral part of the narrative.

Warning: Spoilers for Kaos ahead.

Up on Mount Olympus, you won’t find a deity specifically designated as the patron of non-conformity in gender or sexuality. This isn’t due to any limitations in their identities, but rather because every single one of these divine beings expresses queerness in their own unique ways, so there’s no necessity for a single god to represent that aspect.

Kaos, Netflix’s latest fantasy show, takes this to heart with queerness embedded throughout.

In this series, Dionysus (portrayed by Nabhaan Rizwan), Hera (Janet McTeer), and Zeus (Jeff Goldblum) are characters who embrace relationships with individuals regardless of gender. Furthermore, the show delves into various LGBTQ+ experiences, such as Caeneus’s (played by Misia Butler) transition journey in the Underworld, and the presence of queer icons like Eddie Izzard in the cast.

However, it’s only halfway through the show that we learn a significant detail about its main character, the voice of Titan Prometheus: they are part of the LGBTQ+ community.

In every part of Kaos’s story, his account persists, even as a cruel bird tears into him on the cliff where he’s confined.

Is that a bit severe? Indeed, it is, for according to ancient tales, Zeus punished him by banishing Prometheus to a remote mountain after he disobeyed the gods and bestowed the fire upon humanity.

In the very same episode, we learn about his queerness, yet it’s also clear that Prometheus can display a severe side, even towards the person he cherishes more than anyone else on earth.

Kaos explores a rarely seen gay experience – and defies a major trope

In episode 4, Prometheus expresses his deep affection for someone, saying, “Indeed, I cherished another soul.” As we delve into his final days on earth, it’s revealed that Charon (Ramon Tikaram) – the future ferryman known to guide souls across the River Styx – had been Prometheus’ companion before his demise.

In their short interactions, Charon and Prometheus exhibit a profound affection, not only through their spoken words but also through a tangible connection. This bond is reminiscent of the ease and familiarity that arises from years of shared existence.

That’s not to say the passion is gone, though. Prometheus is known for being a bit fiery, after all, and scenes where the pair share a kiss naked in bed together are just gorgeous to watch, with or without the luscious monochromatic cinematography.

In a surprising and unique way, what sets these interactions apart is that they seem extraordinary despite the fact that they shouldn’t. It’s oddly moving to witness elderly individuals displaying physical affection, even intimacy in bed, because it’s common knowledge that sexuality doesn’t end at a specific age.

It’s not a problem if these stories are for younger audiences. After all, we will all grow old at some point. Shouldn’t we also have characters that reflect and validate our experiences as older individuals in media?

It’s significantly crucial for senior members of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s not necessary to discuss the scarcity of representations that resonate with LGBTQ+ individuals at any age, but it becomes even more challenging to find such representations among those aged 40 and above.

There’s a huge problem with ageism in the gay community especially, this idea that you’re past it and no longer deemed desirable once you reach a certain age.

It’s also worth remembering that there would also be a lot more queer elders around today if not for prejudice and how poorly various governments handled the AIDS epidemic of the ’80s and ’90s.

Such instances as the scenes shared by Charon and Prometheus become even more valued due to their scarcity. Unlike some portrayals in the series, these characters aren’t subjected to mockery or marginalization, nor are they hidden from view. Their relationship and physicality carry the same weight as any other on the show, irrespective of factors like age, gender, or sexual orientation.

There is one caveat, though. Queer romances have been historically characterised as tragic on screen, and this one unfortunately ends in death as well. What’s worse is that Prometheus is actually the one who kills Cal, stabbing him unexpectedly in the neck during what seemed to be a calm, intimate scene of love.

Kaos explores a rarely seen gay experience – and defies a major trope

Nevertheless, unlike many instances of the Bury Your Gays trope, the situation with Prometheus isn’t about his imminent death. Instead, when he learned that Zeus was after him, Prometheus devised a strategy aimed at securing his own freedom and ultimately bringing about Zeus’s downfall.

The challenge lies in the fact that for his scheme to succeed, he required an individual residing in the Underworld to assist with fulfilling a prophecy. This person had to be someone he trusted above all others on Earth.

“Prometheus apologizes, ‘I’m sorry,’ as blood gushes from my beloved’s neck, imploring, ‘Please, do not harbor hatred towards me.'”

Indeed, it’s simpler to propose actions in theory rather than practice when your partner has just mortally wounded you with a knife. Later on, Charon carries out the plan, yet without being consulted or giving his approval beforehand.

No one’s saying that’s a healthy relationship, not by any means. What Prometheus did was monstrous, even knowing that Charon would kind of survive still in the Underworld after his murder. And this is typical of immortal beings like him who toy with the lives of mortals, including their mortal lovers.

However, it implies that they may yet find each other again in a forthcoming series (yet Charon might wise to steer clear of such a reunion, considering the actions of Prometheus towards him).

The point, though, is that their love is still worthy of celebration, even in that brief flashback, and especially when it comes to foregrounding older gay love and nudity.

Reflecting on the situation, it’s clear that things might have turned out more favorably, and I do wish they had more time together, wrapped up in their love. However, considering the chaos surrounding Kaos, it’s truly impressive that a significant gay relationship was portrayed – something rarely depicted on screen.

As a dedicated film enthusiast, I’d say if there existed a deity who embraced the unconventional, they’d undoubtedly applaud. However, being a creative soul themselves, they might offer some insightful suggestions for the upcoming season, aiming to elevate the narrative even further.

2024-08-30 21:35

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