Scene from “Test.” Photo: Tandem Pictures
Director Sam McConnell’s deeply personal gay drama Test is a visceral, intimate character study that explores the hidden vulnerabilities within a hyper-masculine world, following a closeted gay bodybuilder who unexpectedly falls for his trainer.
Written by and starring Brock Yurich as Eddie, a small-town Ohio dreamer, the film subverts classic sports tropes by contrasting a perfectly sculpted physical armor against a fragile inner life. Eddie splits his grueling days between intense training, cam modeling for income, and caring for his demanding mother (Tammy Blanchard), all while burying his true self.
When a charming new coach (Mike Edward) enters his life, their budding romance sparks a profound awakening that forces Eddie to confront intense internal conflict.
As his biggest competition approaches, he must navigate the rigid, heteronormative expectations of the bodybuilding community alongside crushing religious guilt fueled by a local pastor (Matthew Morrison).
Shot with a seductive, rich cinematic style by cinematographer Ava Benjamin Shorr, Test is a poignant exploration of what happens when the relentless drive for physical perfection collides with the undeniable need for authentic self-acceptance.
Test is making its rounds on the 2026 film festival circuit. If the film secures a distribution deal this summer, a wider US release would realistically land anywhere from late 2026 to early 2027.
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