Keep the Lights On

2012

Keep the Lights On chronicles the emotionally and sexually charged journey through the love, addiction, and friendship of two men. Documentary filmmaker Erik and closeted lawyer Paul meet through a casual encounter, but they find a deeper connection and become a couple. Individually and together, they are risk takers

Director: Ira Sachs

Starring: Thure Lindhardt, Zachary Booth, David Anzuelo, Miguel del Toro, Maria Dizzia

Reviews

  • Lindhardt, sweet and childish and achingly vulnerable, gives a stunning performance.

    Owen Gleiberman - Entertainment Weekly

    26 April 2013

  • By dropping in on this couple from time to time for the kinds of moments one of them might remember, the film is more honest than its characters.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    26 April 2013

  • The film, though, is as sure-footed as their partnership is not - a nuanced portrait of emotional turmoil, persuasively acted, richly sensual one moment, wrenching the next, and unlike so many films centering on gay characters, not particularly concerned with things like coming out or HIV.

    Bob Mondello - NPR

    26 April 2013

  • The film is at its best in the bedroom, not shying away from the sexual relationship, but not being graphic about it, either. There is great sex, clumsy sex, tender sex - and it's all crucial to the story. Such genuine intimacy, whether gay or straight, is virtually nonexistent in American cinema. It's enthralling to see it here.

    - The San Francisco Chronicle

    26 April 2013

  • A tough, well-acted little indie.

    Lou Lumenick - New York Post

    26 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Feature Film

    Berlin International Film Festival (2012)

  • Outstanding Film - Limited Release

    GLAAD Media Awards (2013)

     
  • Thure Lindhardt

    Gotham Awards (2012)

     
  • Best Director

    Independent Spirit Awards (2013)

     
  • Dramatic

    Sundance Film Festival (2012)