Trick

Gabriel is a young composer who feels his life is stuck in the opening act of his own story. After a new song earns a mixed reception, a blunt critique from a theater colleague nudges him to live more fully before writing about life. He heads to his local gay bar, hoping to find people and moments that could spark his next score. There he meets Mark, a brave and open heart, and Katherine, a witty confidant, along with a parade of lively strangers who push his boundaries. The film follows Gabriel as he converts personal moments into music, testing love, friendship, and artistic nerve without rushing to conclusions. The film keeps its tone light while nodding to real longing.

Directed by Jim Fall, Trick arrived in 1999 from an original screenplay by Jason Schafer. The film uses a small budget and brisk energy, delivering witty performances and sharp dialogue rather than lavish production numbers and bright musical moments today.

Trick earned about $2,049,595 worldwide, a modest global return given its $450,000 budget. The film found most of its success on festival circuits and limited release, appealing to audiences drawn to LGBT romance with a musical twist and energy worldwide.

Critics generally praised Trick for its charm, quick dialogue, and original songs, though some noted a light touch that keeps darker stakes at bay. The story foregrounds self expression through art, friendships, and romance, with Gabriel learning that real life can inform music rather than imitate it today for audiences.

Trick is remembered as part of a late 90s wave of LGBT cinema that mixes romance with stagey humor. Its use of musical motifs and confident performances helped normalize queer romance on screen and influenced later independent gay comedies with a musical edge that resonates boldly across audiences everywhere today.