Parting Glances (1986)

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Parting Glances is one of those rare films that feels like a time capsule, capturing a specific moment in history while still feeling deeply personal and timeless. Set in 1980s New York City, the story spans 24 hours and follows Michael (Richard Ganoung) and Robert (John Bolger), a gay couple facing a major turning point. Robert is about to leave for a two-year work assignment in Africa, and Michael is left to process the emotional weight of their separation

At the same time, Michael is caring for his ex-lover and close friend, Nick (Steve Buscemi), who is living with HIV/AIDS. The film moves between moments of humor, tenderness, and heartbreak, especially during a farewell party hosted by their friend Joan (Kathy Kinney). What makes Parting Glances so special is how it balances the light and the heavy — it’s not just a story about AIDS or being gay in the 1980s. It’s about love, friendship, and the messy, beautiful ways we connect with each other.

The title, Parting Glances, perfectly reflects the film’s themes. It’s about those fleeting, bittersweet moments of goodbye — both the physical and emotional kind. The “glances” evoke the unspoken emotions between the characters, the things they can’t quite say out loud. It’s a title that lingers in your mind long after it’s over, just like the film itself.

Steve Buscemi is absolutely magnetic as Nick. This was one of his first major roles, and you can see why it launched his career. He brings so much depth to the character — Nick is funny, sharp, and vulnerable all at once. You can’t help but root for him, even as he faces the harsh realities of his illness. Richard Ganoung and John Bolger are also fantastic as Michael and Robert, capturing the complexities of a relationship in flux. And Kathy Kinney, as the quirky and warm-hearted Joan, adds a much-needed dose of humor and humanity.

When Parting Glances was released in 1986, it was groundbreaking. It was one of the first American films to address the AIDS crisis head-on, at a time when the disease was still shrouded in fear and stigma. But what makes it so powerful is that it doesn’t reduce its characters to symbols or tragedies. They’re fully realized people, navigating love and loss in a way that feels real and relatable. For the LGBTQ+ community, this film was a revelation — it showed gay characters as multidimensional, living their lives with humor, resilience, and dignity.

The film was made on a shoestring budget of just $40,000, and while it didn’t make a splash at the box office, its impact has only grown over time. Director Bill Sherwood, who tragically passed away from AIDS-related complications in 1990, left behind a legacy with this one and only film. It’s a reminder of the talent and voices we lost during the epidemic, and why stories like this matter so much.

Parting Glances is more than just a movie — it’s a piece of history, a love letter to a community, and a testament to the power of independent cinema. It’s funny, heartbreaking, and deeply human. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and watch it. It’s a classic for a reason.

Frank Gaimari is an author and film reviewer in Seattle, where he lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. You can learn more about his work at http://www.FrankGaimari.com.