Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- intimate
- melancholic
- sexually frank
- quiet evening
- indie film night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film's frank, emotionally honest depiction of queer intimacy and addiction, anchored by strong performances.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Erik and Paul's relationship is portrayed through frank sexual encounters, domestic closeness, and emotional exposure.
Both men privately struggle with compulsions and addictions as they attempt to build a shared home and life.
The story follows two men in New York during the city's late-1990s social flux, with an openly lgbtq+ perspective.
Erik's profession as a documentary filmmaker and the film's candid attention to domestic life reinforce an observational register.
Films like Keep the Lights On, and why
Weekend
intimate lgbtq+ relationship drama examining love, addiction, and emotional dependency with unsparing realism
God's Own Country
quiet, naturalistic queer romance focused on intimacy, vulnerability, and the instability of relationships
Shame
emotionally candid relationship drama about compulsive behavior, self-destruction, and difficult attachment
The Delta
semi-autobiographical independent drama using personal relationships to explore queer identity and emotional disconnection
Movie Details
- Director
- Ira Sachs
- Release Date
- 2012-07-27
- Runtime
- 102 min
- Rating
- 5.7 / 10 (105)
Cast
- Thure Lindhardt
- Zachary Booth
- Julianne Nicholson
- Souléymane Sy Savané
- Justin Reinsilber
- Ed Vassallo
- Paprika Steen
- Marilyn Neimark
- Sebastian La Cause
- Sarah Hess
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Philo, MUBI, OVID, Metrograph
- Rent
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, MovieMe
- Buy
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Keep the Lights On about?
- A documentary filmmaker and a closeted lawyer struggle to preserve a passionate New York relationship while addiction and secrecy steadily reshape their shared life.
- What is Keep the Lights On like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Keep the Lights On as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Keep the Lights On violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Keep the Lights On.
- What did critics think of Keep the Lights On?
- Critics broadly praised the film's frank, emotionally honest depiction of queer intimacy and addiction, anchored by strong performances.
- Which films are like Keep the Lights On?
- Films with a similar feel include Weekend, God's Own Country, Shame, and The Delta.
- How long is Keep the Lights On?
- Keep the Lights On runs 102 minutes.
- Where can I watch Keep the Lights On?
- In United States, Keep the Lights On streams on Philo, MUBI, OVID, Metrograph.
