Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sex and language in thoughtful but intense LGBTQ+ drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Plainclothes
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In PLAINCLOTHES, Lucas (Tom Blyth) is a policeman assigned to a shopping mall where he lures and arrests gay men for indecent exposure. While he manages to switch off most of the time, he increasingly struggles to balance his job with questioning his own sexuality and the guilt and shame leaves him constantly anxious. When he follows Andrew (Russell Tovey) into a restroom with the intention of arresting him, something shifts, and the two exchange numbers and embark on a secret affair. But can either continue their relationship while hiding their identities from everyone around them?
Is It Any Good?
First-time director Carmen Emmi does a great job of recreating the 1990s setting of this intense LGBTQ+ drama about a closeted police officer stuck on an assignment where he lures and arrests gay men. This simple but clever setup in Plainclothes creates such a pressure cooker that it's clear something has to give, yet the screenplay keeps us guessing as to exactly how the tragedy-in-waiting will play out. Going back to a time of no mobile phones—where beepers and landlines were the most advanced way to communicate—it really hits home how difficult and risky it is for the men in the film to connect. The anxiety is clear in Lucas's face when he responds to a message from Andrew, clutching the household phone in a quiet moment, knowing at any time a family member could walk in—while Andrew knows his own life could fall apart if he's "found out." Both actors give compelling, nuanced performances, with Blyth in particular showing an almost violent internal battle beneath the precariously stable surface. The stylized approach and jumping around within timelines is ambitious for a first feature, and works for the most part, but doesn't quite land in others. Overall this is a powerful movie that only just falls short of its promise.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the central character of Lucas in Plainclothes. Why did he feel the need to hide his sexuality? What about his environment and situation made it difficult for him to live as himself? What things might impact someone's confidence or feeling of safety to come out? Why is it important for underrepresented groups, like LGBTQ+ characters, to be portrayed on-screen in lead roles and with nuance and complexity?
How was family portrayed in the movie? How did Lucas and Andrew's father and grandfather's careers as a policeman and reverend affect their own choices in life, as well as the pressures they felt to hide their sexualities?
This is the debut movie from director Carmen Emmi, who has spoken about struggling with his sexuality while growing up. Do you think it's important for LGBTQ+ stories to be told by LGBTQ+ creators? Why, or why not?
Talk about some of the language used. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 19, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : November 4, 2025
- Cast : Tom Blyth , Russell Tovey , Maria Dizzia
- Director : Carmen Emmi
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Magnolia Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 15, 2025
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