The year 2008 marked the dawn of a new era in teen romance with the cinematic release of "Twilight," a modern vampire love saga that quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Now, a decade and a half later, Kristen Stewart—who played protagonist Bella Swan—ignites an intriguing discussion about the film's subtext by labeling it a "gay movie."
Stewart, who now openly identifies as gay, reflected on the series during an interview with Variety. Although "Twilight" prominently showcases a heterosexual love triangle, Stewart believes that the franchise pivots into the LGBTQ+ realm, perhaps not intentionally from its inception but certainly in its underlying themes.
She intimates that the atmosphere and narrative of the film are loaded with elements that resonate intimately with the LGBTQ+ community. Stewart refers to the prevailing gothic vibes in the film, the deep-seated oppression, and yearning for the forbidden as ingredients that align well with what she terms as "gothic, gay inclination."
Curiously, the movie itself, stemming from Stephenie Meyer's books, does not overtly represent LGBTQ+ characters or storylines. The narrative spotlights the somewhat shy and unassuming Bella as she moves to the fog-draped town of Forks, Washington. There, she becomes enmeshed in a supernatural world far removed from her previous life. Edward Cullen, portrayed by Robert Pattinson, embodies the century-old, chivalrous vampire who becomes Bella’s love interest. Alongside this connection, a rivalry and affectionate tension simmer with the soon-to-be werewolf, Jacob Black, a role filled by Taylor Lautner.
The classic trope of a love triangle endures through four movies, unfolding with dramatic encounters and mystical conflicts, eventually culminating in marriage and the birth of a child born from the union of human and vampire.
Stewart reminisces about her chemistry with her co-stars during the filming, hinting at an inherent yet hidden and unsanctioned love dynamic between the characters. Her retrospective insights suggest a layer of meaning in "Twilight" that was not immediately evident to viewers or perhaps even to the actors at the time.
The link between vampirism and queer themes is not an innovation of the "Twilight" series. Indeed, such connections date back to classic literature, with works like Bram Stoker's "Dracula" and Anne Rice's "Interview with the Vampire" featuring explorations of fluid sexuality and exploration beyond conventional norms. Despite this literary tradition, Stewart's comments spark a fresh look at a modern portrayal of vampires and their complex interactions.
While Stewart's newer film endeavors, such as the sapphic bodybuilding thriller "Love Lies Bleeding," promise to address LGBTQ+ themes more explicitly, her revelation about "Twilight's" queer undertones provides audiences with an unexpected context to reevaluate the much-discussed film series.
As Stewart elaborates on her perspective, she acknowledges that the time when "Twilight" was filmed was a period of personal growth and recognition, even if subconsciously. She suggests that her mere presence in the movie could have been the catalyst that suffused the series with its latent "gayness."
The series, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, managed to capture the angst and tumultuous emotions synonymous with teen romances but also appears to have embedded within its fabric, a resonance that now prompts consideration beyond its presented narrative.
The discussion of "Twilight's" thematic content adds another layer to a movie franchise that has been dissected from numerous angles – from discussions about its portrayal of romance and relationships to its influence on the genre of young adult fiction. Fans and scholars alike may find new ground to explore in Stewart's candid classification of the series.
Kristen Stewart's current engagements, like "Love Lies Bleeding" which is set for a release in March 2024, continue to highlight her commitment to exploring complex characters and narratives that do not shy away from depth and diversity. Her recent reflections on "Twilight" not only commemorate the series that skyrocketed her into the Hollywood limelight but also invite a reexamination of the saga with fresh eyes and a greater awareness of its unintended significance.
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