Sean and Ari

Head On
(1998, 104 min, Australia, Ana Kokkinos)

Ari (Alex Dimitriades) is a closeted 19-year-old who wanders life trying to find his identity. Brought up in a traditional Greek family in Melbourne, he tries desperately to fit in with his family, protect the traditions of his parents as well as protect his sister from the advances of her Arab boyfriend. However, he rebels, yearning for quick sex with anonymous men. Once he meets Sean (Julian Garner), he knows there is something more with him, but because of his rebellion and trying to fit in, he finds himself lost once more. Despite his tough and macho exterior, he does not compare to the tough interior of Johnny (Paul Capsis), who defies everything, including his father and police authorities, by dressing up as a woman. Here, we get to see how lost Ari is. A very well done film.