Sundance Film Festival 2025 – Set in the 1990s, Plainclothes explores the tortured existence and loneliness of a closeted undercover  agent assigned to bait and arrest gay men. Writer/director Carmen Emmi‘s film is a harrowing examination of how painful it is to mask one’s identity. The film also features two impressive performances by its leads.

Lucas (Tom Blyth) hangs out in the mall, luring gay men to the restroom, where they’re then arrested for indecent exposure. Yet, immediately, it’s clear that Lucas can’t sustain this sort of work. In the opening sequence, he has a panic attack after he’s responsible for the arrest of a gay man. His job only worsens and deepens his anxiety. He can’t shake the guilt, nor the fact that he’s masking his sexuality. His feelings become more conflicted when he falls for one his targets, a married man named Andrew (Russell Tovey). They do have a hot and steamy affair, but it can never work out long-term because Andrew refuses to leave his family. He only wants something casual.

Additionally, Lucas grieves his recently departed father. He does his best to be there for his mom Marie (Maria Dizzia).  In the meantime, the only one who knows Lucas’ secret is his ex-girlfriend, Emily (Amy Forsyth). To her credit, she’s supportive and hopes that Lucas finds someone. Lucas’ isolation feels intense throughout the film. At several moments, he edges nervous breakdown territory. He also struggles operating within masculine spaces, including in the locker room at his workplace. The sight of naked men sends him into a tizzy. He also has very few positive male influences, once his dad dies. His Uncle Paul (Gabe Fazio), for instance, is a leech who exhibits aggression and toxic masculinity.

In terms of performances, Tovey and Blyth really have great on-screen chemistry. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see them more after this feature. Blyth was well-cast. His baby face and wide blue eyes exude a sort of innocence, while Tovey conveys a more seasoned character. There’s also an interesting dynamic between the characters beyond their short love affair. Andrew serves as a mentor to Lucas, teaching him about safe sex. Beyond that, he encourages Lucas not to make the same mistake he did and to fully embrace his sexuality and identity before it’s too late.

Because this film is set in the 1990s, most of it looks like it was filmed on a camcorder. Many scenes have a home video feel. It reinforces the time period, which is a reminder that it was really hard to meet like-minded people before dating apps and the internet. Emmi also includes several shots of mirrors, doors, and closets to reinforce Lucas’ personal struggles.

Plainclothes is a gripping and moving feature that builds to an explosive conclusion. The film portrays the immense anxiety of a closeted undercover agent, who wants so badly to find connection and be true to himself. Blyth offers a tortured, memorable performance in the lead role. Emmi’s feature debut contains a strong and bold vision.