In the years after art school, gay American painter Ivan (writer-director Brian Jordan Alvarez, The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo, Frameline41) has relocated to a coastal town in Colombia to focus on his craft. After some time apart, his straight best friend and former roommate, Christian (Peter Vack, Mozart in the Jungle), comes to visit, bringing his younger brother, Cole (Morgan Krantz), along. The initial pleasantries of beachside camping and late-night partying fade more quickly than expected, after Ivan and Cole (who generally identifies as straight) start secretly sleeping together. When Christian finds out, the otherwise idyllic summer affair brings out difficult and surprising emotions in not just the three men but also their diverse circle of fellow American expats and tourists—among them perpetually scene-stealing genderqueer actor Jason Greene (perhaps better known as Aunt Freckle), Danièle Watts (Weeds), and Bruce Bundy (The Hunger Games).

Frank and playful, Everything Is Free marks the first feature film from the multitalented Alvarez (you’ll recognize him from the season finale of the Will & Grace reboot or his extremely popular YouTube channel). Utilizing exceptional cinematography and a memorable soundtrack (featuring an original score by Alvarez, as well as songs from Kate Bush and Madonna), the film exhibits a bold independent spirit as it astutely navigates gay cinema tropes with self-awareness, humor, gravity, and a very modern sensibility.