Daniel Bateman stars in Sex Love Venice, an LGBTQ+ romance film

By Shane Gallagher

Daniel Bateman shines in the lead role of Michael in the groundbreaking LGBTQ+ romance film Sex Love Venice, opening this Valentine’s Day weekend.  Written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Steve Balderson, the film delves into the intricate tapestry of love and self-discovery, offering a refreshingly poignant narrative within the LGBTQ+ cinematic landscape. As Michael, Bateman portrays a man disillusioned by the transient connections of hookup culture.  He yearns for a love that feels truly meaningful. His search leads him to the enchanting canals of Venice, where he encounters a magnetic and soulful local who challenges his deeply ingrained notions of intimacy. Daniel Bateman explains more from his home in Los Angeles.

How did you prepare to embody the role of Michael?

Daniel Bateman:  I could relate with Michael. Like him, I have always been deeply in touch with my emotions.  I have searched for meaning and purpose in my life and have felt the frustration of not knowing exactly how to navigate today’s hook-up culture.

Sex Love Venice emphasizes patience and intention in cultivating desire.

So many things are instant today. We can order food and access nearly anything we want at the touch of a button. Sex Love Venice shows how patience can be important in getting to know someone.  We don’t have to learn everything instantly. It takes time to genuinely gather discovery. The reward can be a desire that we might not have known we were capable of.

Throughout the story, we witness Michael grow from someone who hides behind his insecurities to a man who is unabashedly vocal about them.

I wanted audiences to feel Michael gradually build up his sense of confidence and watch as he realizes that his insecurities and vulnerability are his strength.

Your on-screen dynamic with Alexander Ananasso as Marco is pivotal. How did you and Alexander build the connection required to bring this relationship to life?

I didn’t meet Alexander in person until we both were in Venice for the shoot. There is a lot of intimacy within this film and it was so important to develop elements of that. We got along so very well and bonded through humor. A genuine respect and care for one another grew on set. When it would be really cold or windy, he’d give me an extra jacket.  I’d wipe his nose! We remain great friends today. We will always be connected from this journey. That’s the great thing about film; it is there forever.

What was it like filming in Venice?

This film brought me to Europe for the very first time! When I arrived, it was misty and rainy with a fog. As I slowly approached Venice on the water taxi, it was like stepping back in time into a magical world from a history book. There really is nowhere quite like it. There’s an energy and essence to Venice that almost doesn’t feel real. Everywhere you look is picturesque. I definitely absorbed all of it and allowed myself to get lost in the enchantment.

The film draws from director Steve Balderson’s own memoir Year of the Whore.
Early on, I had conversations with Steve to discuss his personal experiences and his vision for the role. Steve is a great director who lets his actors play with the scenes to interpret the characters as they see fit.  So, while I drew from certain aspects from Steve’s journey, I was able to make Michael my own.  

What do you hope audiences take away from Michael’s journey and the film’s broader message about transcending judgment and finding love in unexpected places?

I hope they leave with the comfort in knowing that even though there is so much happening in the world right now, behind the chaos, there is beauty in connection. It’s important to feel more, to desire more, and to get out there and be yourself because we are all absolutely worthy of true love.

How do you see this film contributing to the landscape of LGBTQ+ cinema?

There’s a place for all kinds of storytelling, but I feel most films are often soft on romance or too sexually charged. Sex Love Venice celebrates the realness of both intense sexuality and tender romance. 

Sex Love Venice opens in select theatres on Friday, February 14, as well as on streaming platforms including Amazon Prime and Apple TV.