A gritty New York teen film the likes of which we haven't seen since the '90s. As a native New Yorker I was thrilled to see a reminder that "kids" ... well... "young adults" like this still tromp through the streets of every major city. The heartache, longing, and conflicted emotions breathe a beautiful dose of reality into these characters. Great heart.
50 Reviews
I bit of a reality check.
mastrait3 October 2017
Midnight Cowboy? I think not. I had high hopes for this movie, I didn't realize it's 8.2-star rating on IMDb came from just 10 people. (Probably the guys in the movie.) I never connected with any of the characters, the story-line was boring and so very predictable.
I knew guys like Ejay, the would-be hustler (Jake Mestre) on Santa Monica or Polk street in the 1970's. It really wasn't so hard for a young twink to be swooped up into much MUCH better circumstances very quickly, or if they just had NO street smarts, they would quickly disappear.
I was being magnanimous with my 6 stars BTW.
I knew guys like Ejay, the would-be hustler (Jake Mestre) on Santa Monica or Polk street in the 1970's. It really wasn't so hard for a young twink to be swooped up into much MUCH better circumstances very quickly, or if they just had NO street smarts, they would quickly disappear.
I was being magnanimous with my 6 stars BTW.
Guerrilla slice of life
seemayerstudios22 July 2018
I like the guerrilla, cinema verité style of this slice of life on the mean streets of New York. The non-acting acting style is intriguing, with Badd Idea a particular standout as one of the few characters with an ironic moral code. As his character develops in the shadow of the main character, Ekaj, it enhances both performances. The film definitely conveys the dark beauty of a city with split personalities.
Fresh, Well-Crafted, Unexpected
gregwolk18 February 2018
Ekaj is an impressive piece of filmmaking, a masterful snapshot of the gritty, urban landscape inhabited by a handful of young men whose lives are interesting to follow, if not lives to emulate. The film left me with many mixed emotions, and that's the sign of a successful film--one that elicits an emotional reaction.
Disturbing and very real glimpse into the life of a New York drifter
jblockbuster12 November 2018
I found this a disturbing glimpse into the life of a New York drifter, a world I'm not familiar with (and don't intend to get familiar with ;)
I loved the acting! Paired with the raw shooting style which I found very close to the subject, it's realness, it gave a very vivid picture.
My critic points: the raw camera style, even though beautiful framing, I wouldn't call beautiful in itself. Intentional or for budget reasons it appears there were almost no lights used, which makes it look like a documentary sometimes. Just not my taste. Also the fight scenes lack credibility (however, the edit masks this, which is fine.)
I like the ending :) (No more comments to avoid spoilers.)
If you are willing to dive into this film and you are not after explosions and catchy effects, definitely a film for you.
I loved the acting! Paired with the raw shooting style which I found very close to the subject, it's realness, it gave a very vivid picture.
My critic points: the raw camera style, even though beautiful framing, I wouldn't call beautiful in itself. Intentional or for budget reasons it appears there were almost no lights used, which makes it look like a documentary sometimes. Just not my taste. Also the fight scenes lack credibility (however, the edit masks this, which is fine.)
I like the ending :) (No more comments to avoid spoilers.)
If you are willing to dive into this film and you are not after explosions and catchy effects, definitely a film for you.
A Sweet Film That Proves to Be Teflon-Tough
seanblack14 December 2016
EKAJ is a bold and brilliant work that endeavors to provoke compassion and generate thoughtful dialogue around the growing problem of addiction and HIV infection among our current generation of LGBT homeless youth. As an editor for A&U America's AIDS Magazine I see and review a number of these types of films dealing with specifically with this issue. I myself live with HIV and have experienced several of the dilemmas of the films protagonists. Of note this film takes a refreshingly honest approach without any preachy, finger- wagging to its aim of engaging its at-risk audiences. Its talented, caring, creators are deeply committed to quelling this dilemma in a positive and affirming way. Congratulations to the makers Cati and Michael on all of the well-deserved notoriety on the International Independent Film Circuit for this quality piece of cinematic art.
Coolness.
tlg31725 January 2019
Traditional storytelling coupled with reality-esque style shooting creates an artistically illustrated depiction of a boy adrift in New York. This isn't the biggest budget indie pic you will ever see, but the team around Ekaj have created a piece that speaks to the future of storytelling in a way that I can only call, cool.
A very different but true subject matter.
johnapplebee-9594714 January 2019
This is a very deep movie. It's shot very gritty with a very touchy subject matter that's really happening today. It shows how a gay teen survives the streets of New York without any family support. It's a bit to watch at times but it keeps it very real on the subject matter at hand.
Ekaj
CinemaSerf4 April 2024
"Ekaj" (Jake Mestre) is a naive, handsome, young man who arrives in New York City full of optimism but precious little else. He's not on the streets long before he realises that it's an harsh and hostile place for a penniless man to live. Fortunately he encounters the savvy "Mecca" (Badd Idea) who takes him under his wing. "Mecca" has AIDS, drinks fairly constantly and engages in petty larceny to pay the bills. Meantime, "Ekaj" adores the brute that is "Johnny" (Scooter LaForge) who regularly treats (and beats) him like dirt, but his association with his new friend is beginning to make him stronger, more aware and a little less vulnerable. As the story progresses we see the inevitable deterioration of his friend trigger something in the young man that might stand him in a better stead as he struggles to get to grips with the venal, dangerous and disease-ridden environment he now frequents. On the face of it, it's quite a gritty look at life on the game, but Mestre portrays the attitudinal young man way too weakly - if any of those scenarios were real then I reckon he would have lasted about five minutes, with or without "Mecca". The jerky hand-held camerawork that tried to give it an edgier, documentary-style, feel to it got on my nerves after about ten minutes too. "Ekaj" is not an engaging character and though I did find Badd Idea much better in the role of a man sentiently staring death in the face, he just didn't feature enough to give this enough realism and to help us develop the character of his young, rudderless, protégé. The pacing is also all over the place and it felt a lot longer than eighty minutes. It certainly had potential, - the concept is worth exploring, but this just doesn't deliver, I don't think.
EKAJ is a hyper-realistic gritty and passionate drama!
ryanbartongrimley30 November 2017
EKAJ is a hyper-realistic, gritty and passionate drama! I love the film KIDS and this is like an update of that awesome film. It's dramatic, gritty, unapologetic and very rewarding to watch. The acting and writing in this film is shockingly good! Yes, at times I flinched watching it, but the ending is worth it. Plus I love that it focuses on some LGBT issues. The photography is beautiful and visceral, cast is universally great and the pacing is perfect. If you loved all those "no holds barred" indie dramas from the 90's, EKAJ is for you! NICE WORK!
A raw and gritty slice of life
alexanderhanno18 February 2019
This film is raw, gritty and above all, honest.
From the start of its beautiful opening credits through to its largely tragic end, EKAJ portrays the troubled journey of a young, transgender man who roams the streets of New York, looking for purpose and value in a world that shuns and abuses him at every turn. While the movie can be a bit disturbing at times due to some intimately violent scenes, these brutal moments help to craft the dark world unfurling from write/director Cati Gonzalez's mind. Make no mistake, this is an indie film through and through and it doesn't shy away from that, as the raw cinematography actually lends itself to Gonzalez's overall street-level vision. Likewise, a stellar, genuine and touching performance from supporting player Badd Idea as well as a strong and committed turn from lead Jake Mestre both serve to authenticate the world being built on screen.
All in all, EKAJ does an excellent job depicting a slice of life, one that viewers have likely never seen on screen before. Truly, films like this are essential today, as they do so much to teach tolerance, compassion and understanding in a world that often lacks such qualities.
From the start of its beautiful opening credits through to its largely tragic end, EKAJ portrays the troubled journey of a young, transgender man who roams the streets of New York, looking for purpose and value in a world that shuns and abuses him at every turn. While the movie can be a bit disturbing at times due to some intimately violent scenes, these brutal moments help to craft the dark world unfurling from write/director Cati Gonzalez's mind. Make no mistake, this is an indie film through and through and it doesn't shy away from that, as the raw cinematography actually lends itself to Gonzalez's overall street-level vision. Likewise, a stellar, genuine and touching performance from supporting player Badd Idea as well as a strong and committed turn from lead Jake Mestre both serve to authenticate the world being built on screen.
All in all, EKAJ does an excellent job depicting a slice of life, one that viewers have likely never seen on screen before. Truly, films like this are essential today, as they do so much to teach tolerance, compassion and understanding in a world that often lacks such qualities.
Loneliness
rossbrew7 February 2018
Ekaj's drama, that he will never fullfill his father's stereotype takes him on a lonely dangerous journey... mixing up with the wrong people more times than not, let him feeling hopeless. However, finding friendship along the way gives this character some hope. Realistic, it feels like I'm watching someone's life from a little window. Well made. If you want to see a good independent film, give it a try!
Gritty, authentic character drama
joshfolan14 October 2016
Caught this at the Palm Beach Film Festival back in April and loved it. New York in every way, the film has a very fluid, hand-held documentary verite feel to it and paints an impressively endearing portrait of characters living in a place few people ever have the misfortune of experiencing. The story avoids any and all clichés that could befall a troubled youth narrative, which is of course an incredibly welcome quality in this kind of film. The filmmakers did an off-the-charts job with casting - every single character in the film feels 100% organic, and Badd Idea in particular gives an incredible supporting performance as Mecca.
It'd be a great thing if more films like this could actually find their ways to accessibility by the masses, as unlikely as that is with atrocious superhero-driven schlock clogging up the distribution pipelines.
It'd be a great thing if more films like this could actually find their ways to accessibility by the masses, as unlikely as that is with atrocious superhero-driven schlock clogging up the distribution pipelines.
"Taking me over"
rob-berrouz16 October 2016
I was fortunate to see this movie. And it made a great impression on me, it's hard to find words, because the film makes you speechless for a time..and it does not go out of my head. The main theme - it is a problem of homeless gay teens in America. I'm sure this is an important theme around the world. I do not want to talk now about Russia, our gay people have already a big problem just living in our country. Hope that maybe, someday, a film like this will be filmed here too. For now , there is Ekaj and this is a movie that should be shown in Russia.
Why is this happening, why young people run away from home, why parents do not accept their children for who they are? Hate, violence, rejection of the orientation of own child gave rise to all the challenges, hardships, pain and suffering that has befallen the young hero. Learn to love, do not fear the opinions of others, does not feel a sense of shame, help your child to accept it - this is real power of any parent.
Ekaj , it's just a boy who is looking for love, he wants only one thing, to be loved, truly. He is naive and weak at the beginning, and many people use him, cheat and betray. But he meets Mecca, the only one who did not use him and left. «Can I share it with you?» ... Two lost and lonely souls find each other, to be together and share all the hardships. They are the only hope to one another. Prostitution, drug addiction, homelessness ... difficult, tough, painful ... But for me, primarily, this is a film about love, friendship and hope. What are expensive gifts of heartless lover, when there is a faithful soul next to you, with which you share a last cigarette.
And how beautiful the main characters in the film. They are like adorable aliens, think they're from another planet. I feel admiration of the operator, who indulges the audience close-ups, catches beautiful faces, curves of bodies, their movements. You look at them, listen and believe in what is happening to them. As if you spy on someone else's real life, and not just look at pictures.
City huge, rich and poor, beautiful and terrible at the same time. It pull out all the power during the day, and gives breath of fresh air at night. I would call Ekaj street movie, similar to the road movie, only instead of driving the characters are walking. The path from beginning to end, as the two points on the map - everything has a cause and effect. The logical conclusion.
I am very grateful to all those people who took part in creation of this film, and especially, Cati and Michael Gonzalez. I wish you good luck, you made a decent movie that deserves a wonderful future!
Why is this happening, why young people run away from home, why parents do not accept their children for who they are? Hate, violence, rejection of the orientation of own child gave rise to all the challenges, hardships, pain and suffering that has befallen the young hero. Learn to love, do not fear the opinions of others, does not feel a sense of shame, help your child to accept it - this is real power of any parent.
Ekaj , it's just a boy who is looking for love, he wants only one thing, to be loved, truly. He is naive and weak at the beginning, and many people use him, cheat and betray. But he meets Mecca, the only one who did not use him and left. «Can I share it with you?» ... Two lost and lonely souls find each other, to be together and share all the hardships. They are the only hope to one another. Prostitution, drug addiction, homelessness ... difficult, tough, painful ... But for me, primarily, this is a film about love, friendship and hope. What are expensive gifts of heartless lover, when there is a faithful soul next to you, with which you share a last cigarette.
And how beautiful the main characters in the film. They are like adorable aliens, think they're from another planet. I feel admiration of the operator, who indulges the audience close-ups, catches beautiful faces, curves of bodies, their movements. You look at them, listen and believe in what is happening to them. As if you spy on someone else's real life, and not just look at pictures.
City huge, rich and poor, beautiful and terrible at the same time. It pull out all the power during the day, and gives breath of fresh air at night. I would call Ekaj street movie, similar to the road movie, only instead of driving the characters are walking. The path from beginning to end, as the two points on the map - everything has a cause and effect. The logical conclusion.
I am very grateful to all those people who took part in creation of this film, and especially, Cati and Michael Gonzalez. I wish you good luck, you made a decent movie that deserves a wonderful future!
A story of the underbelly of the NYC LGBTQ scene
caseykilloran18 November 2018
The lead is just mesmerizing to watch. You get to see him be placed in all these high risk situations. Almost all of the shots are hand held and have a punk/grunge/guerilla filming feel to them. This gave me a voyeuristic quality to the whole film. It was tough to watch in some parts and that is the point. You watched the lead go through so much and you feel like you are standing there just watching him go through it but you can't help him.
gritty and wonderfully naturalistic
JoshSegel25 January 2019
The verite style of this movie perfectly complements the authentic material and performances. Everything about EKAJ is so genuine that you can't help but sympathize with the characters. Without being preachy, the film is a deep and sometimes harrowing look at life on the streets with a powerful message at its core. Told with great specificity, EKAJ is able to be a universal story about the search for community that we've all experienced, about wanting to find your place in the world and feel like you belong. I highly recommend this intimate, well-drawn story.
Cinema Verite! But with accent marks.
Graham-joey15 April 2019
Well, you've seen a lot of the terms "grim" and "realistic" being thrown around for this one and I wholeheartedly agree.
Cinema verité through and through.
Although not someone who typically takes a chance on independent queer cinema, I'm glad I did with this one.
At times it can be rough to watch as people deal with poverty disease drugs etc , but that's definitely the point. To show you this type of life hasn't gone away just because it's not as chic as it was in the 90s.
Solid performances. And direction is perfectly raw for the subject. Great stuff.
Solid performances. And direction is perfectly raw for the subject. Great stuff.
Beautiful and raw
contact-4359524 March 2019
This film conjures up a good few movies, all of them brilliant - My Own Private Idaho, Midnight Cowboy, even Taxi Driver in its location aesthetic and edgy feel. It's one of those bold New York stories, with a deliberate embrace of the low budget genre (if it is a genre) which gives an immediate, observational feel. Photographically the film is brilliant. It gives a sense of capturing a moment like you'd see with a still image but with that added energy and pace of moving image. Very clever. The performances are beautiful and raw. All are very strong, but especially Jake Mestre playing a character adrift and vulnerable in the city streets. We grow to care about him and his story very much (it is only the actor's second film). He has the ability to look like an non-actor in a good way - naturalistic, unforced.
This is the first film from Cati Gonzalez and I hope we'll see much more great work like Ekaj from this new director.
Full of raw grit, heart, and verve
MariaAllred31 March 2019
This film is a wonderfully heart-felt but gritty, cinéma-vérité style look into the world of Ekaj, a young, homeless, wandering soul. We experience his NYC vagabond life with no-holds-barred in this honest portrait of street life for a young gay man who is trying to find love and find himself. His friendship with Mecca (played amazingly by Badd Idea - my favorite performance in the film), a gay man dying from AIDs, was poignant, beautiful, and tragic. This is definitely a film to watch.
A film about lost souls and redemption
jc-655-8694343 June 2019
Ekaj is a film that embraces the cinema of naturalism, and puts the audience right in the moment with the actors -- to great effect. In contrast to the current blaze of Hollywood's superhero movies, this film offers a grittier glimpse of the superhero we all have to be in the everyday, as we battle issues of the self manifested in many forms, sometimes tragic. The script and edit, pared down to essential staccato points that are however clever and artistic, help the film convey its compassionate heartbeat as we follow the main character's journey from darkness to light. Well-directed and filmed. Kudos to principal actors Jake Mestra and Badd Idea for delivering the semi-documentary feel. Be inspired by this film's gentle encouragement and reflections on self-worth and second chances.
So different and so good
andreeaboyer1 August 2018
First I was confused about Ekaj, a young man, who appears as athletic and good looking and attractive but soon there are moments where it's very clear that he is a transgender (from my perspective) and he is hanging around with the wrong gang. While Ekaj is searching for his own personality, he exposes himself to men who are making him feel great even if those men are just taking a advantage from him as they use his "naive being". Ekaj soon realizes that his new path that he's going isn't the right one for him and that he must find a way out before it's too late. His ex, also a good looking and a very tattooed man and a painter by profession, helps Ekaj out of the crisis so that Ekaj can find his own balance and stability in life again. This Story truly goes under the skin and it's very emotional and very realistically shot. When you watch this movie then you think that it is live and it's happening in that moment. Definitely a goosebumps film. A very good one.
Gritty and Realistic
raymediacreative11 February 2019
This film was a very gritty look into the life of a young homeless kid, Ekaj, Just trying to find his way and himself in the rough streets of New York. At times it seemed as if I was watching a documentary. The acting and cinematography were very organic. I really enjoyed the relationship between Ekaj and Mecca, it was touching at times to see their bond grow. The style reminded me a lot of the early work of Harmony Korine (Kids, Gummo, Ken Park, Julien Donkey Boy) Just very gritty and realistic. This film isn't for everyone, but I definitely recommend it!
Worth the time!
skel-eduardo29 November 2018
Raw, Authentic Story
JGReviews28 January 2019
Ekaj is a raw, authentic story about two gay youths surviving and hustling on the streets of New York. The film reminds one of Kids, Tangerine, and Midnight Cowboy in various ways. Technically, the film is raw and unfiltered, not unlike in Tangerine, but it suits the film well as we feel like a fly on the wall, intimately observing the proceedings as if we are right there with the two leads, Ekaj and Mecca. Overall, it almost feels like a documentary that is hands off and lets us observe the actors behaving so naturally that it does feel like we are witnessing real people in their normal surroundings -- which is a testament to the performances of the two leads, as well as the director. Ekaj feels honest and authentic and I think that's a particularly valuable thing in today's cinema. I definitely recommend this movie.
Original and Compelling
bohemianpirate-871-38348723 January 2019
Ekaj is an intense depiction of life on the street, with captivating performances by the two leads (Jake Mestre and Badd Idea), whom I found equally mesmerizing. Incredibly strong handed direction, this film goes beyond the boundaries of most. It was darker and deeper, weirder and cooler, more intense and less prudish than the average slice of life drama you might normally see. Beautiful and provocative at the same time, I definitely recommend!!
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