Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 24, 2006

Heartfelt movie explores what ifs of orientation
Friday, March 24, 2006

Julie E. Washington Plain Dealer Reporter

Grade: A

"Hard Pill" focuses on a deceptively simple idea: a pill that makes gay people straight.

Is it a miracle, or an attack on the gay community? What else in a gay person's life would change if he or she stopped being gay? Writer-director John Baumgartner examines the questions from various angles in this gently humorous and thoughtful film.

We meet Tim, who is gay and "out" to his friends and co-workers. Tim's circle includes nurturing best friend Sally; a promiscuous gay co-worker; and a married man who has sexual encounters with Tim.

Feeling lonely and dissatisfied with his life, Tim signs up for a medical study that promises to reverse his sexual orientation. Everyone has an opinion about what he's doing, and Tim comes to realize that his sexual orientation is less important than emotional honesty.

Baumgartner clearly has a point of view to express but approaches his topic with sensitivity and deep affection for all his characters.

This excellent and heartfelt film is a high point in this year's Cleveland International Film Festival.