ON THE DOWNLOW
Available from the 9th January 2007
SYNOPSIS
Two gang members have a secret romance in this journey to
Southside Chicago and life on the DL.
REVIEW
Not your usual white-bread gay romance, On the Downlow tells a tragically romantic, almost
Shakespearean tale of love between two Southside Chicago Latino gang members. For
those who don’t have time to watch Oprah, “on the DL” or “Downlow” refers to “straight”
street-wise men who have sex with men on the sly. Angel (Cortez) is a member of the Latin
Kings -- he’s also got a secret lover -- Isaac (Sancho,) who’s a member of a rival gang. Their
affection takes place under cover of night and in secret places – their relationship is held
close to their hearts. When Angel double-crosses the Kings, Isaac uses the opportunity to
get his lover into his own gang.
First-time director Tadeo Garcia has taken us into a previously unknown world. He says,
“One of the themes I like to play around with is that not everything is what it seems…I like
to throw people off as much as I can.” Shot entirely on Chicago’s gang-torn streets, the
performances, from first-time actors, are first-rate which adds to the sense of authentic
street cred. Filled with surprise twists, plenty of suspense and a heightened sense of
romance, On the Downlow may just open your eyes.
Scott Cranin
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