English

Deondray Gossett, Quincy Le Near USA, 2007, 104 min.

The DL Chronicles focuses on the stories of African-American men who live secret lifestyles. From a highly successful executive to the street corner hustler, from the happily married father of two, to the college athlete’s? rst love, each episode, featuring a different cast, delved into the different lives and experiences of men living on the “downlow.”

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Each episode features narration from Chadwick Williams (Damian Toofek Raven), an aspiring journalist, as he pursues research while authoring a book about MSM (Men who Sleep with Men). Storylines usually have a thin plot revolving around some intrigue and the sexual awakening of African-American men. Well photographed, artful, sensuous love scenes with nudity as well as sultry, moody music are characteristic of most episodes.

Episode 1: Wes Thomas, an upwardly mobile real estate banker who is overwhelmed by the demands of his marriage, career, and closeted attraction to men. When Wes’ sexy but ambivalent brother- in-law stops in for an unexpected stay, he is directly faced with temptation and ultimately falls for the forbidden fruit.

Episode 2: Robert: A closeted talent agent (Terrell Tilford) falls for a hot health food store manager (Kareem Ferguson), 20 years his junior. What Robert fails to share is that there is a very special lady in his life. When Robert’s new lover grows suspicious about his many secrets, a game of cat and mouse ensues.

Episode 3: Boo: Boo is an ex-convict, a mooch, and a player who lives his life on the DL. His girlfriend is fed up with Boo’s cheating and kicks him to the curb. Boo’s mother tells him it’s time to settle down, but Boo is unfazed and continues having sex with multiple partners, including an unprotected romp with Deron, his neighborhood friend. But when shocking news rattles Boo, he is forced to reconsider his reckless life on the DL.

Episode 4: Mark: Mark and Donte, a loving couple who have been living on the DL, are jolted by the unexpected arrival of Mark’s thuggish cousin, Terrell, who shows up at their house needing a place to crash. Desperate to keep their relationship a secret, Mark asks his boyfriend to pretend he’s straight. When Donte reluctantly agrees to play the part of Mark’s “roommate” for their new houseguest, a chain of humorous events unfolds, and Mark eventually comes to realize the ridiculous nature of living on the DL in their own home.