Reviews

Review: I Can't Think Straight

Pastel-colored romance

By PETER KEOUGH | April 28, 2009

1.5 Stars

VIDEO: The trailer for I Can't Think Straight

You'd think being a gay Muslim in London would involve a lot of stress, but in Shamim Sarif's blithe, pastel-colored romance, everyone is beautiful and rich, so it's just another diversion. Leyla (Sheetal Sheth), an Indian Muslim living with her family in London, doesn't know why she isn't interested in getting married or working at her dad's insurance company.

Then she meets Tala (Lisa Ray), scion of a wealthy Palestinian family who's blown off four engagements already. After dismounting from her polo pony, Tala tells Leyla to be True to Herself. A gauzy, chastely shot tryst follows, but Tala disregards her own advice and takes up with fiancé number five.

More engaging than the stereotyped principals are those in the supporting cast — like Antonia Frering as Tala's mother, who sports a foot-long Cruella DeVil cigarette holder.

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