Introduction: A Queer-Centric Thriller with Mixed Results
Andrew Rannells, the Tony-nominated star of The Book of Mormon and Girls, takes a sharp turn into thriller territory with I Don’t Understand You, a new film co-starring The White Lotus’s Will Sharpe. Directed by Brian Crano (A Kid Like Jake), the movie follows an American gay couple (Rannells and Sharpe) whose Italian vacation takes a sinister turn when their language barrier and cultural misunderstandings spiral into danger.
Premiering at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, the film has drawn mixed reactions—praised for its charismatic leads and tense atmosphere but criticized for stretching its premise too thin. Does I Don’t Understand You deliver a gripping thriller, or does it buckle under its own ambitions?
The Premise: Lost in Translation Meets Hitchcockian Paranoia
Rannells and Sharpe play Nick and Dom, a soon-to-be-married couple celebrating their engagement with a dream trip to rural Italy. However, their romantic getaway turns unsettling when their inability to speak Italian leads to a series of increasingly ominous encounters. After hiring a local driver (portrayed by Gomorrah’s Marco Palmieri) for a private tour, they begin to suspect they’re being led into a trap.
The film leans into classic thriller tropes—miscommunication, isolation, and the fear of the unknown—while adding a queer twist. Unlike traditional horror films where LGBTQ+ characters are sidelined or killed off early, I Don’t Understand You keeps its protagonists at the center, exploring their relationship under pressure.
Strengths: Chemistry and Atmosphere
Rannells and Sharpe are the film’s strongest assets. Their natural chemistry makes their relationship believable, balancing tender moments with escalating tension. Rannells, in particular, shines as the more cautious, paranoid half of the couple, while Sharpe’s laid-back optimism slowly erodes into fear.
The Italian countryside setting adds to the unease—gorgeous but isolating, with narrow roads and language barriers heightening the couple’s vulnerability. Cinematographer Frankie DeMarco (The Year Between) captures both the beauty and menace of the landscape, evoking films like A Simple Plan and The Vanishing (1988).
Where the Film Overreaches: Pacing and Payoff
Despite its strong setup, I Don’t Understand You struggles to sustain its tension. The first half builds effectively, with small moments of miscommunication (a wrong turn, an offhand remark from a local) creating a slow-burning dread. However, the latter half veers into convoluted territory, introducing twists that feel more contrived than shocking.
Missed Opportunities in Storytelling
- The Language Barrier Gimmick Wears Thin – While the initial concept is clever, the film doesn’t fully explore the psychological terror of being unable to communicate in a crisis. Instead, it relies on familiar thriller beats.
- Underdeveloped Antagonists – The threats Nick and Dom face remain frustratingly vague. Are they victims of a scam? A hate crime? A cultural misunderstanding? The ambiguity could have worked, but the resolution feels rushed.
- Uneven Tone – At times, the film leans into dark comedy (Rannells’ signature wit peeks through), but these moments clash with the more serious thrills it tries to deliver.
Critics at Tribeca noted that I Don’t Understand You could have been a tight 80-minute nail-biter but instead drags in its final act.
Andrew Rannells on Thrillers, Queer Representation, and the Challenges of the Role
In interviews promoting the film, Rannells discussed why he was drawn to the project:
“I love thrillers, but so many of them treat queer characters as disposable. This script flipped that—it’s about two gay men who aren’t just defined by their sexuality but whose relationship is tested in this insane situation.”
He also admitted the filming process was intense: “We shot in remote parts of Italy with a mostly Italian crew. There were days where Will and I genuinely felt lost, which fed into the performances.”
When asked about the film’s divisive reception, Rannells remained diplomatic: “Not every movie has to be for everyone. I’m proud of what we made—it’s a ride, for better or worse.”
How I Don’t Understand You Fits Into the Queer Thriller Trend
The film arrives amid a wave of LGBTQ+-led thrillers, from Knock at the Cabin (2023) to All of Us Strangers (2023). Unlike those films, which blend horror with deep emotional drama, I Don’t Understand You aims for a lighter, more Hitchcockian vibe—think The Birdcage meets Breakdown (1997).
The Good:
- Centers a gay couple without making trauma the focus
- Rannells and Sharpe’s performances elevate the material
- Gorgeous cinematography and effective tension-building early on
The Not-So-Good:
- Third act falters with underwhelming twists
- Could have dug deeper into its themes of trust and miscommunication
- May frustrate viewers expecting a straightforward horror payoff
Final Verdict: A Flawed but Fun Genre Experiment
I Don’t Understand You doesn’t fully stick the landing, but it’s far from a failure. Rannells and Sharpe make a compelling duo, and the premise—while stretched too thin—offers enough suspense to keep audiences engaged. If you’re a fan of Rannells or low-stakes thrillers with a queer twist, it’s worth a watch.
However, those expecting a tightly plotted, high-stakes horror experience may leave disappointed. As Rannells himself put it: “It’s a B-movie with heart. Sometimes, that’s enough.”
Where to Watch
The film is currently seeking distribution after its Tribeca premiere, with a streaming release likely later in 2024.
Final Rating: 6.5/10
✓ Strengths: Strong lead performances, atmospheric setting, unique premise.
✗ Weaknesses: Uneven pacing, lackluster payoff, tonal inconsistencies.
Andrew Rannells continues to take risks in his career, and even when the material isn’t perfect, he brings charm and authenticity to every role. I Don’t Understand You may not be a masterpiece, but it’s a fascinating addition to the queer thriller genre—and proof that Rannells can excel outside of musicals and comedies.