The Man I Love review: Rami Malek delivers the most provocative work of his career

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A star rating of 4 out of 5.

In Ira Sachs’s film, The Man I Love, Vincent (Luther Ford) – a British artist living in New York during the late 1980s – wonders why it’s wrong for him to want to fall in love, especially with someone he’s attracted to. The film is a gentle exploration of creativity and desire, as seen through Vincent’s eyes.

Jimmy George, the central character, is an actor struggling in the off-off-Broadway scene. Rami Malek delivers a dedicated performance as George, marking his second role portraying a musician after his acclaimed performance as Freddie Mercury in the film Bohemian Rhapsody.

Returning to the Cannes Film Festival, director Sachs presents a new film after his 2019 drama, Frankie. He’s followed that with two critically acclaimed movies: the 2023 love triangle Passages, and the more personal Peter Hujar’s Day, featuring Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall. Hall returns in this new film as Brenda, sister to the main character, and there are other subtle connections to his previous work. While Peter Hujar’s Day hinted at the New York art scene of the 1970s, this film shifts the setting forward about a decade.

Jimmy, recently recovered from pneumonia and living with AIDS, is creating a theatrical performance inspired by a little-known 1974 French Canadian film. He’s working closely with a dedicated theatre group, and the rehearsals are full of energy. Sachs’s portrayal beautifully captures the excitement and connection between these passionate artists. “The performance needs to feel alive!” Jimmy exclaims as he takes the stage, and it’s easy to see why people are drawn to his energy.

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Jimmy is truly the heart of this film, and everyone else seems to revolve around him. I was really moved by Tom Sturridge as Dennis, Jimmy’s lover who steps in to care for him when he’s not well. Even Ebon Moss-Bachrach from The Bear makes a quick appearance as Gene, one of the many people touched by Jimmy’s life. Sachs and his co-writer, Mauricio Zacharias, have created something really special – a film that feels more like a beautiful, emotional painting than a traditional story. The characters don’t say much, but you feel everything through their expressions. It’s definitely not a typical movie, and I can see how some might find the lack of a clear storyline frustrating, but I really admire Sachs’ willingness to take risks and create something so bold and unique.

The music feels like a natural part of the story, unlike the sudden musical numbers you often see in classic Hollywood musicals. Instead, characters might casually sing a song – like when Hall’s character gently performs ‘How Are Things in Glocca Morra?’ from the 1947 musical Finian’s Rainbow, captivating those around him. Later, Jimmy sincerely sings ‘What Have They Done to My Song Ma’ from 1970 to a group of people. Just as he did in Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami Malek perfectly captures the musical talent of the man he’s playing with impressive skill.

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Sachs realistically portrays New York’s gay nightlife during this period, showing the community coming together in bars and clubs. As Jimmy starts a complicated relationship with his neighbor, Vincent, who quickly becomes infatuated with a glamorous performer, the film doesn’t shy away from showing intimate sexual encounters. However, it also features stunning and memorable scenes, such as one on the dance floor, lit with blue lights, where characters move around Jimmy in a way that feels like a separate, artistic performance.

This musical, set in New York and centered on an LGBTQ+ romance, is handled with care by director Sachs, who gives his actors plenty of room to shine. It feels similar to his first film, The Delta (1996), with its genuine characters and honest storytelling. It’s also the most daring and challenging role of Malek’s career so far.

Following a quiet period after the Oscars, and even a somewhat disappointing role in the James Bond film No Time to Die, this feels like a significant and welcome return to form.

Authors

James Mottram

James Mottram is a London-based film critic, journalist, and author.

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2026-05-21 15:10