Breakfast with Scot

Adapted from a much-loved novel by Michael Downing, Breakfast with Scot is the leader in this year’s revolutionary vanguard of queer family-friendly films. In the film, the carefully discreet lives of a closeted gay couple are thrown into turmoil when they take in their nephew.

Eric (Tom Cavanagh) and Sam (Ben Shenkman, "Angels in America") have been in a stable relationship for four years. Eric’s a former hockey pro turned sportscaster. He doesn’t think anyone knows he’s gay and keeps up a macho façade. Sam’s a lawyer whose patience with his lover’s closeted behavior is quickly fading. Things quickly change when Sam gets word that his irresponsible brother’s ex-girlfriend has died. With the brother nowhere to be found, Sam is suddenly responsible for the woman’s son, Scot (Noah Bernett). Eric can’t stand kids and agrees to this only as a temporary measure. Scot arrives on the scene in a tizzy of high drama; he’s like a gay cocktail party embodied by a single child. He dresses flamboyantly, wears his mother’s jewelry and adores musical theater. Yes, at just 11, Scot is already a gay diva -- much to the shock of his new straight-acting dad and his partner. Scot, in true gay fashion, swishes down the school corridors and makes friends with the other outcasts. Eric decides that what Scot needs is some manliness, and he signs the boy up for ice hockey.

Forcing these two men to take stock of their lives, Scot truly is a breath of fresh Canadian air. Filmed with a substantial budget, the production also had the cooperation of the NHL. In a sign of the times, there are real Toronto Maple Leaf jerseys and logos, which caused a stir in Canada. But one thing there is no controversy about is that Breakfast with Scot is a wonderfully warm film the whole "family" can enjoy.