Drew Starkey’s journey from the small-town charm of North Carolina to the steamy, surreal world of Luca Guadagnino’s *Queer* is a testament to both his talent and his willingness to push boundaries. His breakout role in the highly anticipated film adaptation of William S. Burroughs’s lurid novel has propelled him into the spotlight, demanding he confront anxieties and embrace a level of intimacy rarely seen on screen.
It all started during rehearsals. The 31-year-old actor, already familiar to audiences thanks to his starring role in Netflix’s hit sci-fi series *Outer Banks*, found himself on the floor, half-naked, rehearsing sex scenes with none other than Daniel Craig. “I’ve never had a process like this,” he recalls, reflecting on the intensity of preparing for the film’s numerous intimate scenes. Initially daunting, the process evolved into something almost ritualistic. “By the time we got to filming, we were like, ‘Just fucking go for it.’”
And go for it they did. *Queer*, a cinematic adaptation of Burroughs’s semi-autobiographical exploration of gay expat life in 1950s Mexico, is a visually arresting and emotionally charged experience. Starkey’s performance ranges from stumbling through the streets of Mexico City, tipsy on mezcal, to performing a stark-naked, ayahuasca-fueled modern dance with Craig in the heart of the jungle. The sheer audacity of the scenes is matched only by Starkey’s commitment to his role.
However, the most daunting aspect for the relatively private actor wasn’t the explicit content; it was the overwhelming attention of the press tour. “I was very nervous in the months leading up to the premiere at the Venice Film Festival,” he admits, relaxing on a sofa after a Vogue photoshoot. “I didn’t know if I could have that many eyes on me.” This apprehension is understandable for an actor who describes himself as “not the most social person.” But, with characteristic grace, Starkey is navigating the newfound fame with a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration: “I’m exhausted, but I’m having a good time.” His laid-back style, epitomized by his white T-shirt, jeans, and Adidas Gazelles, reflects his desire to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the whirlwind.
Starkey’s stylish appearances at fashion week, clad in sleek Loewe outfits designed by Jonathan Anderson (who also meticulously crafted the film’s costumes), have only heightened his profile. The immersive nature of the costuming process further enhanced the experience: “You couldn’t ask for a more immersive experience than that.” Yet, beneath the stylish exterior, Starkey remains a film nerd at heart, genuinely enthusiastic when discussing the craft. He humbly compares his collaboration with Craig to a college basketball player facing off against Michael Jordan, highlighting the profound influence this collaboration had on his development as an actor. His journey, he concludes, has been “a fever dream.” A fever dream that promises to propel him to even greater heights in the film industry.
*Queer* is in cinemas December 13th. Don’t miss this captivating and boundary-pushing cinematic experience.
