Passages (review) – Sachs holds a mirror to the complexity of human sexuality and relationships

Passages is now playing in cinemas nationwide.

Some people are never content in any relationship they enter but are equally unable to live outside of one. These people often explore their sexual desires away from their partner’s knowledge while retaining the comfort and security that their partner offers. Equally, some people know their partners aren’t capable of being faithful but go along with it in the knowledge that they, too, cannot be alone. Ira Sachs’ Passages understands that relationships come in many forms, with many conditions and agreements formed along the way to maintain security and comfort.

At first glance, Sachs’ fascinating, sensual and bold drama would appear to be a classic love triangle in which two gay men and a straight woman find themselves caught in a game that can only lead to heartbreak. But Passages is so much more than a classic love triangle. Sachs’ movie reflects just how messy relationships can be, how communication can falter, how sex can light a spark that quickly dies and the complexity of forgiveness.

At the heart of this fascinating dissection of relationships, sexuality, and love is the sublime Franz Rogowski, the superb Ben Whishaw and the stunning Adèle Exarchopoulos as Sachs tunnels a thought-provoking passage through the foundations of love, sexual identity and desire. Sachs’ ability to uncover the unspoken realities behind many relationships, whether gay or straight, is tenderly delivered yet dark and often uncomfortable as one man selfishly destroys everything around him as he fulfils his desires while attempting to maintain his security.

Passages is the story of a narcissist and the two people caught in the whirlpool he creates. It’s a story of the partners who opt to wear blinkers and don’t realise just how blinkered they have become until it’s too late, and the complexity of human sexuality, relationships and communication. Passages isn’t afraid to hold a mirror to us all, and it does so knowing that many of those watching will relate to the fear of being alone, the need for intimacy at any cost and the uncertainty of forgiveness.