By Hook or By Crook Review: Why This 25-Year-Old Queer Cult Classic Still Hits Hard

I will admit that this is my first viewing of this movie, but I was so excited and honored to be able to watch a newly restored version for the 25th Anniversary of the film. Thank you to the creators and team for allowing me to screen an early release of this for review. By Hook or By Crook is truly a testament and landmark of queer cinema, particularly the trans and gender non-conforming subgenre in film. 

On the surface level, the film has a pretty simple overarching premise, it follows two unlikely individuals who happen to find themselves on a similar path and they form a friendship together and begin to go on a pseudo-Bonnie and Clyde adventure and find ways to work the system and scam people so that they can make cash and continue on their journey. On a deeper level, the film deconstructs a lot of societal ideas about gender and gender roles within the early 2000’s.

I cannot think of many films that have had this level of awareness and actually trans and gender non-conforming actors within the roles to this day, but especially in the 2000’s. On another level it’s a very “slice of life” kind of movie. We are following our characters, Shy and Valentine throughout their day-to-day lives. Including the hijinks they get into, their personal lives and struggles, and the ultimate goals of the separate and collective journeys they are going on.  

I think that outside of the phenomenal performances, the amazing cinematography, and the important representation covered in this story, it just is a story that you become immersed in and you can’t help but want the best for these characters and you want to see how their stories are going to turn out. Also, I have major respect for the actors in the film because it is majorly dialogue heavy in storytelling purposes and I know how heavy of a pull that can be in a feature. If this review seems vague, it is intentionally that way. I think that this is a movie that has high praise and recognition from those that know about it, but it is essential viewing in my opinion. It’s a film that I think everyone can find enjoyment out of and a film that holds up even after 25 years. 

Overall, this is a fun and enjoyable buddy film that has some hallmark moments of the genre, while also reinventing it and being ahead of its time. The acting, screenplay, and cinematography shine through in every scene and the story flows beautifully.

I would give this a solid 5/5 star rating & I’m definitely looking toward to the upcoming physical media release coming this summer. Once again, thank you to the team for sharing with me and allowing me to have early access to this in exchange for an honest review of the film.