Studio: NoelAlejandro
Cast: Lars Skov, Sunny Mike & Jonzu

RAID by Noel Alejandro unravels as a poetic exploration of hedonism, presented in an innovative four-part cinematic voyage. With it is signature Noel Alejandro aesthetics, the film plunges us into the palpitating heart of Berlin's nightlife. As the narrative starts, we discover ourselves immersed in a typical Berlin scene. The rhythmic clicks of fingers dancing over piano keys seamlessly transform into the sultry touch of skin. Time is rendered irrelevant for a group of queer dudes consumed by chemistry and wish, creating an intoxicating atmosphere. GUARDIAN GALS, the inaugural piece of RAID, introduces us instantly to a washroom where our protagonists, Felix (Lars Skov) and Thomas (Sunny Mike), engage in a vehement rencounter during the time that ostensibly keeping vigil over their ally, Jonzu. Their intoxicating chemistry eclipses their original mission as persistent knocks on the door fade into the background. In a pont of time of reckless abandon, Felix swigs from a bottle of cleaning fluid, drawing closer to Jonathan, who somberly reminds him of the lifeless body in the bathtub. 'Noel Alejandro's aim shifts here,' that guy discloses. 'This is the 1st time I am not explicitly putting my cinema at the service of sex-positivity. The tone is darker, imbued with darksome humour and an intent to observe out of judgment. 'The film drops us smack-dab in the centre of a wild party, where floral arrangements coalesce with raunchy encounters, backed by a palpitating techno score. The implacable knocking at the door evokes a casual indifference among guests until an unforeseen police interruption signals an impending shift, whilst within the bath, irreversible events unfold. RAID emerges as a poignant reflection on chemsex, intricately laced with satire and critique. As the film unfolds, it exposes the increasing raids on homosexual spaces beneath the guise of regulating recent and untested substances, subtly hinting at a systemic movement aimed at dismantling the very places where liberation thrives. Alejandro masterfully intertwines this narrative with a 'time twist' at the film's conclusion, mirroring the global resurgence of fascism and the encroachment upon queer safe havens. ---CASTLARS SKOVLars finds expression in many forms: in the piano, where his music resonates, and on screen, where his body takes the lead. SUNNY MIKELiving up to his name, Sunny exudes warmth and charm. With the ability to transition from a playful smile to a profoundly intensive gaze, that guy captivates the audience's attention. JONZUA multi-faceted artist and influencer, Jonzu has roots in New York but now thrives in Berlin. Previously featured in Noel Alejandro's Remember I Am (2024), his written work for Queer Majority critiques the need for change in homo adult film, drawing from his experiences as a queer, gender-nonconforming individual.

Format: mp4
Duration: 16:32
Video: 1920x1080, AVC (H.264), 3907kbps
Audio: 322kbps

File size: 512.7 MB