I Can’t Think Straight

I CAN'T THINK STRAIGHT is a beautiful film that transports us to an upper-crust world of closeted lesbianism and newfound love. Carefree Tala is a Palestinian Christian living in London. Fabulously wealthy, her family is trying desperately to get her married. And, despite a series of broken engagements, she will soon wed. Still, her biggest problem seems to be that she's secretly attracted to women. In fact, Tala has her eye on Leyla, a shy British Muslim of Indian descent who, to her own family's delight, is also engaged. Despite their growing passion for each other, the women's families and their intolerant backgrounds keep coming between them. Initially withdrawn and bookish, Leyla is brought out of her shell by the independent-minded Tala. Ironically, it is Leyla who first comes out of the closet, which Tala is not yet ready to do. As Tala's wedding day approaches and the pressure on her mounts, it gets harder for her to keep her secret. Writer-director Shamim Sarif has fashioned a gentle film with universal themes that also confronts ethnic attitudes toward homosexuality. It's a romantic comedy with an erotic twist. – B.B.