From writer/director Jason Paul Collum comes a movie that may just be the genre's first true gay horror film. OCTOBER MOON is a tale of boys becoming men and facing the truth inside; of realizing who they really are and what they truly want - and of the madness of obsession. Sometimes the best intentions can go horribly wrong...

Successful, gay, but middle-aged Corin is having trouble with his younger boyfriend Jake. The generation gap is playing havoc with their relationship, as Corin wants to stay at home while Jake is still the party guy. Jake even admits to thinking about other guys, but Corin confirms he'll still love Jake no matter what. Meanwhile, thirty-something Elliot (who still lives with Mom) gets a new job so he finally proposes to his long-time girlfriend Marty. The next day, after an earful from his over-protective mother, Elliot goes to his new job - as Corin's assistant. Corin freely admits his lifestyle, which makes Elliot a bit curious. Later, when co-worker Nancy asks Corin if Elliot's gay. He is positive, but feels Elliot must come to that self-realization on his own....

Well, Elliot adapts readily to his new job and new boss. He asks Corin if he and Jake would go to a local pub with him and Marty. Corin agrees - if Elliot and his beau will then go to a gay bar. So they do. Jake and Corin hold their own at the pub, and are amused when a guy pretends to be gay as a ploy to get laid. At the gay hang out; however, Elliot and Marty are more out of place. Elliot keeps telling everyone he's not gay, but when he winds up dancing with Corin, Marty eyes him suspiciously. Elliot starts to explore gay web sites - and some fetish ones as well. He also starts hanging out with Corin and Jake, watching movies and such, at the expense of Marty. Elliot even takes some candid photos of Corin, which he looks at when alone in bed at night...

Elliot starts to make any excuse to be near Corin, either at work (always 'popping in'), or at home; poor Marty never sees him anymore, and when she does, all Elliot talks about is Corin. Corin and Jake are having a few bumps in their relationship, so they decide to get away for the weekend to 'be alone together'. Sure enough, Elliot weasels his way into going with them. Now things start to slide down the razor blade of life as Elliot comes to the truth - and finds it's not what he wants. And when Elliot doesn't get what he wants....

Now this synopsis barely scratches the complexity of OCTOBER MOON. Jason Paul Collum develops a drama that is totally honest with its homosexual characters. The gay relationships are just like straights; it can be a turbulent trip finding the love of your life. Whatever your personal lifestyle, OCTOBER MOON speaks with a universal candor that makes us connect with the characters and their situations. This is truly a fine dramatic film.... and then the horror begins when obsession becomes overwhelming. Since we've been so taken in with the characters, the suspense builds with a maddening intensity to an extreme climax (but I'm not gonna tell ya what happens - watch the movie!). All the actors give fabulous performances; we really become entwined in their lives. Special kudos go to novice Sean Michael Lambrecht in the demanding role of Corin. On the other side of the camera, OCTOBER MOON is a very well made production. Using various local settings instead of sets add much to the realism of the film. Usually a fault in indie films, the crew does a fine job ensuring that there's enough light in every scene. While there is a substantial bit of dialogue, the editing keeps the pace moving; it's not a lot of 'talking heads'. Director Collum stages his scenes very well. Since there are only a few film locations, he changes perspective each time a set is revisited to keep the scenes fresh. The musical score complements the film very nicely.

OCTOBER MOON has been released on DVD with some good extras included (but no chapter search menu). There's a short making of featurette with Collum highlighting some of his trial and tribulations in not only getting the film done, but also finding a place to show it. A host of production, image, and behind the scenes stills are included, as well as the traditional trailer and previews. Definitely worth listening to is a full-length audio commentary by Collum and the cast; their reflections on the movie making process simply reinforce their passion and commitment to the art. The anecdotes and insights are why commentaries have become so vital to DVD aficionados; we learn so much more about the film and its creation, which makes the film that much of a better experience.

Now watching two guys kiss is not really my cup of tea, but that doesn't matter because OCTOBER MOON is not only one of the most honest dramas I've ever seen, but becomes a pretty darn suspenseful horror film as well. So keep an open mind and enjoy a trip along the downward spiral as a young man finds the truth about himself. Just don't make Elliot angry. You wouldn't like him when he's angry....