C.R.A.Z.Y.

Born on Christmas in 1960, Zac is one of initially four brothers, later a fifth joins the family: there’s the studious Christian (played by Maxime Tremblay), the rebellious Raymond (portrayed by Pierre-Luc Brillant), the sporty and gassy Antoine (represented by Alex Gravel), and then there’s Yvan. Zac enjoys a unique bond with his father Gervais (played by Michel Côté), but their relationship takes a turn when Zac’s more sensitive, non-traditional behaviors come to light. The bond officially fractures when Gervais discovers Zac dressed in his mother’s clothing, leading to an unspoken declaration of war on masculinity between them.

During a festive Christmas party in 1975, Zac sparks his interest in his cousin Brigitte’s boyfriend, Paul, after sharing a joint. Even though his friend Michelle (portrayed by Natasha Thompson) tries to kiss him, Zac prevents the moment, claiming it’s for the sake of their friendship. Later, upon learning that Brigitte is single again, Zac’s recklessness shows when he runs a red light on his motorcycle, ultimately getting hit by a car and requiring hospitalization. To his surprise, he finds out that Brigitte has rekindled things with Paul.

Zac finds a temporary escape in a relationship with Michelle, which pacifies Gervais for a while—until a fateful encounter reveals Zac emerging from a car with a male classmate, adjusting his pants. In a fit of rage, Gervais forces Zac into therapy aimed at “curing” him of what he perceives to be homosexuality. The therapist claims Zac made a “subconscious deliberate mistake,” as if he wished his father to discover his true self.

Fast forward to the Christmas dinner in 1980, Zac and Michelle’s relationship has intensified. During Christian’s wedding reception, Zac shares another moment with Paul, but this outside rendezvous is misinterpreted as a kiss by an onlooker. Gervais catches wind of the gossip, leading to a dramatic confrontation in the rain where, amidst the chaos, Zac openly declares his feelings, exclaiming that while he wasn’t kissing Paul, he “wished he had been.” This leads to a heartbreaking moment as a distraught Michelle overhears and Gervais orders Zac to leave, prompting him to escape to Jerusalem.

In the throes of self-loathing after an impromptu encounter in the gay scene, Zac walks into the desert and collapses from exhaustion, only to be rescued by a compassionate Bedouin who helps him recover.

Upon returning home, tragic news awaits. Zac learns that his second eldest brother is in the hospital following a heroin overdose, and he passes away the very next day. After the funeral, in an unexpected moment of closeness, Gervais embraces Zac, showing signs of emotional growth. Reflecting a decade later, Zac notes how Gervais has once again become a father figure in his life, even going as far as welcoming his lover into their home.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 16:15