Test (2014 film)

In 1985 San Francisco, Frankie (Scott Marlowe) is a young dancer in a modern dance company. He is in a relationship with a man named Todd (Kristoffer Cusick), but the relationship is strained by the pervasive fear of AIDS. Frankie decides to get an HIV test, a decision that forces him to confront his own mortality and the uncertainty of his future. The film follows Frankie over a two-week period as he awaits his test results, navigating his career, his relationships, and the changing social landscape of the city. His friend and fellow dancer, Anja (Marin Miller), provides support, while his interactions with a doctor and other members of the community reflect the era's anxieties and hopes.¹

Test was directed by Chris Mason Johnson, who also wrote the screenplay. The film was produced on a modest budget and shot on location in San Francisco. It premiered at the Frameline Film Festival in 2014 and later had a theatrical release in the United States. The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised its sensitive handling of the subject matter and its period authenticity.²

Test was well-received by critics, with many noting its importance as a historical document of the AIDS crisis. The film was praised for its focus on the emotional and psychological aspects of the epidemic, rather than the medical details. It was also noted for its depiction of the dance world and its use of movement to convey emotion. Test has been screened at numerous film festivals and is considered a significant contribution to LGBTQ cinema.

One of the lesser-known aspects of Test is its use of dance as a metaphor for the uncertainty and fragility of life during the AIDS crisis. The choreography, by Sidra Bell, is integral to the film's narrative, with Frankie's performances reflecting his inner turmoil. Additionally, the film is one of the few to depict the HIV test itself, a procedure that was relatively new in 1985. The film also features a cameo by Kevin Stea, a well-known dancer and choreographer, in a supporting role. Another notable detail is that the film's title refers not only to the medical test but also to the test of character that Frankie undergoes.³

HIV test

A medical test that detects the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the blood.

Frameline Film Festival

An annual international film festival in San Francisco that showcases LGBTQ-themed films.

Modern dance

A genre of Western theatrical dance that developed in the early 20th century, emphasizing expression and improvisation.