Third Man Out

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"A gay detective who always gets his man."
  • TV-MA
  • 2005
  • 1 hr 38 min
  • 6.6  (1,209)

Third Man Out is a gripping American crime drama released in 2005. The story is adapted from the book of the same name by Richard Stevenson, one of the biggest names in gay mystery fiction. The film stars Chad Allen as Donald Strachey, a private investigator hired to investigate the disappearance of a gay activist in a small town in upstate New York.

The movie begins by showing a gay activist getting abducted while on his way to visit his boyfriend. The case gets media attention, and Strachey gets hired by the victim's rich father to find out the truth. Strachey starts the investigation by visiting the victim's boyfriend, a respected doctor, who denies any involvement in the disappearance. However, Strachey discovers some inconsistencies in the doctor's story and doubts that he might be hiding the truth.

As the investigation progresses, Strachey faces some of the harsh realities of being gay in a small town, where homophobia is rampant. Strachey's sister, a lesbian, is also shown as a victim of this homophobic environment. New theories emerge, and Strachey's suspicion keeps switching between different suspects, making the mystery even more intriguing.

The cast of the movie is commendable. Chad Allen does an excellent job portraying the lead character. He brings depth and sensitivity to the role, making it heart-wrenching to watch his character struggle with the injustices done to the LGBTQ+ community. Sebastian Spence plays Strachey's partner, Timmy, who assists Strachey in his investigation, providing comic relief and a sense of lightness to this tense story. Jack Wetherall shines as John Rutka, an aging gay activist who becomes Strachey's unlikely ally in the investigation.

What sets Third Man Out apart is its portrayal of homophobia and bigotry towards the LGBTQ+ community. The movie highlights how the small town mentality and bigotry towards the gay community can affect not only individuals but their families as well. The brutal reality of how revealing sexual orientation can result in social ostracization, loss of employment, and even violence rings true and hits hard.

One of the strong points of the movie is that it does not only focus on the investigation; it also sheds light on Strachey's own life. His partner, Timmy, is shown struggling with his past and his insecurities, which add an authentic human touch to the characters. The movie also touches upon the strained relationship between Strachey and his sister, making the story more relatable to audiences.

The movie is suspenseful, and the plot keeps the audience guessing until the very end. Like any good mystery, it leaves the audience with a lingering sense of unease and the desire to figure out the case's solution even after the credits roll.

The pacing of the movie is well-suited for the story, and it does not drag, with the focus always kept on the investigation's progress. The cinematography and the smoky, noir-inspired atmosphere add to the movie's overall vibe, creating a sense of a dark and dangerous world.

To wrap up, Third Man Out is an excellent crime drama that does not hesitate to address social issues related to the LGBTQ+ community. Its depiction of homophobia, bigotry, and the struggle of coming out is gut-wrenching and authentic. The performance by the cast puts the cherry on the cake, making the story even more emotionally involving. This movie is a must-see for fans of crime dramas and anyone interested in exploring issues that affect the queer community.

Third Man Out is a 2005 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.

Third Man Out
Description
Where to Watch Third Man Out
Third Man Out is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play and YouTube VOD. Some platforms allow you to rent Third Man Out for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2005
  • MPAA Rating
    TV-MA
  • Runtime
    1 hr 38 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.6  (1,209)