Before Night Falls (2000)

Based on the autobiography of the same name by Cuban novelist and poet Reinaldo Arenas, Before Night Falls (2000) tells the fragmented story of the openly gay writer (Javier Bardem). Raised by a single mother and his grandparents, Reinaldo left his family at an early age to explore his home country, specifically Havana. But when Reinaldo’s first novel is published, he catches the ire of the oppressive, Castro-led government, mostly due to his homosexuality and his politically opinions. Things turn dire for the writer when he is accused and arrested for sexually assaulting minors, and publishing his literature abroad without government approval. After being released from his dehumanizing stint in prison, the mistreated fellow flees to New York to find freedom, but instead he dies of AIDS. Sigh.

If you can get through the somber flick, you’ll be treated to full nudity from Javier Bardem and Johnny Depp in drag. Perfection!