James Maloney | Blowie / 2018

the perfect relationship

by Douglas Messerli

 

James Maloney (screenwriter and director) Blowie / 2018 [8 minutes]

 

Blowie is a rather mindless student film that contributes little true understanding of the gay experience, although it does bring up an issue that probably occurs far more often than we generally recognize.

    In this Australian short, a young gay boy Charlie (Kane Anamwong) is in awe of the major high school jock Dave (Brandon Rae), Charlie often sneaking into the toilet stall while the other changes in and out of his gym clothes.

    But one day, Dave actually stops Charlie and asks outright if he’s gay. After pausing for a moment, perhaps considering the consequences of an affirmative answer, admit she is. Dave explains that his girlfriend is not into giving head and wonders if he might service him. Charlie denies any interest, but it is clear he would love the opportunity, and soon after he becomes a follower of Dave’s internet page.

    After a couple of other meetings, Charlie finally agrees to provide his services. When he asks, “Do you need a hand,” Dave replies, “a mouth.”

    But it quickly clear that he is a naïf, believing somehow that the “blowie” actually signifies Dave’s willingness to engage in a gay relationship.

    Frustrated after failing to get any further reaction from Dave on his internet page, he one day follows him into the bathroom and attempts to kiss him. The reaction is as if Dave had been abused by a creature most foul, attempting to clean away his mouth as if some contagion had been pasted to his lips.

     However, he quickly calms down, apologies, and even gives Charlie’s shoulder a gentle hug, perhaps remembering that other blowjob, maybe even preferring his lips on his penis as opposed to the hag he calls his girlfriend.

     We almost wonder if he might be more intrigued by the symbiotic relationship than even he can imagine. Charlie seems to have little shame given that such a handsome boy is willing to let him participate in some passive sex. As horny boys everywhere eventually to learn, a good blowjob is a pleasure no matter who is at the other end. But a kiss means something else.

     As even one of our presidents even attempted to explain to the American public, receiving a blowjob is not equivalent to having sex. Where straight men learn this nonsense has never been explained.

 

Los Angeles, December 20, 2025

Reprinted from My Queer Cinema blog (December 2025).