Beyond the Walls

One night Paulo is carried home drunk by Ilir, the handsome bartender Paulo flirted with. An affair begins, exposing Paulo to his girlfriend who abruptly evicts him. With nowhere to go, Paulo shows up on Ilir's doorstep. Ilir is hesitant, but Paulo works his way into his home and life. They expand each other's worlds in passionate and unexpected ways. One weekend, Ilir does not return from a trip. Paulo discovers nothing about Ilir's whereabouts until a letter arrives with shocking news. Ilir is in prison for drug possession. Suddenly a love with no limits is confined to one visit per week in a closely guarded room. With intense and seductive performances, this film explores the unexpected ways that life can test love. Ilir battles for survival inside prison while Paulo struggles to survive outside it, falling into another man's arms to avoid life alone. When Ilir is released, can they save what may no longer exist? Intensely sexual, BEYOND THE WALLS is a moving exploration of love and loyalty. (In French with subtitles) – C.R.