Go Fish 1994 Movie Review

『A 90s Lesbian Romance Radiating Sincerity and Simplicity』

🎥 Movie Overview

🎬 Title: Go Fish (1994)
🌍 Country: 🇺🇸 United States
🎞️ Genre: Romance / Drama / Independent Film
🗓️ Production and Release: Rose Troche Films, 1994, Feature Film
⏳ Runtime: 83 minutes
📢 Director: Rose Troche
🖋️ Screenplay: Rose Troche, Guinevere Turner
📺 Platform: DVD, Select Online Streaming Services

👩‍💼 Cast: Guinevere Turner – Max
V.S. Brodie – Ely

🧩 Story Deep Dive (Spoilers)

👩‍❤️‍👩 The Playful Rebel of ‘New Queer Cinema’

Go Fish is recognized as one of the key works of the early 1990s “New Queer Cinema” movement. The film rejects the tropes of tragedy, AIDS narratives, and martyrdom that dominated queer cinema at the time, instead focusing on the humor, love, and everyday life of the lesbian community. It serves as an “antidote to despair” within queer film history.

• DIY Aesthetics and Black-and-White Visuals: Made on an ultra-low budget of just $15,000, the film captures a raw, unpolished authenticity through its black-and-white cinematography and use of amateur actors. This visual choice reflects the indie spirit of the early ’90s while rejecting the glossy aesthetics of mainstream cinema. It highlights the filmmakers’ intention to depict the queer community in its unfiltered truth.

• Excluding the Heterosexual Gaze: The film does not “explain” or “justify” lesbian life to a heterosexual audience. Rather than focusing on external threats, it turns inward, exploring the dynamics, debates, and emotional bonds within the community itself. In doing so, it creates a sense of liberation and establishes a kind of utopian fantasy for queer viewers.

💓 The Romance of Max and Ely: The Awkward Art of Connection

The central plot follows college student Max, who struggles in love, and Ely, a free-spirited woman in a long-distance relationship. With the help of their friends, they gradually grow closer, navigating awkward first meetings and emotional hesitations.

• Overcoming Taste and Prejudice: Upon first meeting Ely, Max dismisses her as “too hippie,” expressing superficial biases about appearance and style. Yet through persistent matchmaking from friends, the two slowly discover each other’s genuine charm. Their romance explores connection beyond surface labels or the clichéd ‘butch/femme’ divide, emphasizing emotional honesty over archetype.

• Slow and Subtle Development: Rather than fast or passionate, Max and Ely’s relationship grows through hesitation, awkwardness, and conversation. Some critics have noted the actors’ lack of polish or weak chemistry, but this “clumsiness” and “hesitancy” instead convey the authenticity of young love and the cautious tone of queer romance at a time when such stories were rarely seen on screen.

🌟 ‘Chosen Family’ and Community Conversations

The true protagonist of Go Fish is not only the romance between Max and Ely, but also the broader Chicago lesbian community that surrounds them.

• Conversations and Debates: Through candid group discussions, the film delves into various issues within the lesbian community — “lesbian bed death,” butch/femme gender roles, attitudes toward bisexuality, and even the controversial topic of lesbians having sex with men. In one symbolic dream sequence, Daria imagines being branded a “sexual traitor” after sleeping with a man, illustrating the pressures and boundaries surrounding identity within the community.

• Humor and Solidarity: Despite disagreements, the film ultimately celebrates these women as a “chosen family” bound by humor and mutual support. This network gives Max the hope to pursue love and helps Ely find the courage to move on from her long-distance partner. The film’s lighthearted tone transforms these interactions into a portrait of warmth and connection.

💡 Historical Significance and Contemporary Value

Upon its 1994 release, Go Fish became a pioneering work depicting lesbian life and love through an autonomous, self-represented lens. It stands as a vital milestone in the history of New Queer Cinema.

While some critics pointed out its limited technical finesse or acting depth, the film’s true strength lies in the creators’ authentic attempt to project their own stories and concerns onto the screen. By weaving queer identity discourse with humor and everyday life, Go Fish achieves lasting relevance — both as a historical document of queer culture and a reminder of the importance of community and solidarity.

🎯 Personal Rating (Subjective)

💕 Love Scene Intensity: ♥♥
⭐ Rating: ★★☆