Max Talisman says his new gay movie Things Like This is a protest: 'Revel in the queer joy'

We're here, queer, and not going anywhere.

Max Talisman set on a mission to bring LGBTQ+ representation to the big screen with his super cute new rom-com Things Like This. His character, Zack, reunites with his middle school crush and struggles to accept his feelings for his crush.

"[The inspiration] came from not seeing myself reflected on film, like not seeing a plus-size queer lead in anything. There's not enough queer films in general. I started writing it in 2018 and now it's being released in 2025! You never can give up," Talisman tells PRIDE.

Although it took seven years to bring this movie to life, the timing couldn't be more crucial as queer stories are becoming more scarce in today's hostile political climate.

"Our film accidentally became an act of protest because it's about queer joy. It does feel like that's the opposite of what we're supposed to experience right now, but to live in that joy and to celebrate it for these 90 minutes... it's something really special."

Things Like This is the perfect form of escapism for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community, but it also serves as an important to reminder to keep pushing for queer visibility in all forms of media.

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"I want people to come into this movie, laugh for those 90 minutes, revel in the queer joy, and then we can leave and we can keep fighting because right now, that's important too."

Talisman is well aware that conservatives will likely stick their nose up at this beautiful film, but he encourages naysayers to simply give this movie a chance before saying anything negative.

"I would want to dare them to sit there and not laugh and not experience joy. If they can make it through this movie without smiling, I'd give them $100 or more. I think people who feel that way haven't met a gay person or they haven't met the right one."

Things Like This is out now in theaters. To see the full interview with Max Talisman, check out the video at the top of the page.