Boyfriend Material

The Blackwood family home is just small enough to not be considered a mansion. Luc feels out of place with the people and the luxury of the party. Oliver’s parents behave in a strangely performative fashion, aiming their dialogue at different people in attendance instead of speaking directly to Oliver. After several disparaging remarks, Oliver tries to find his brother, Christopher, a doctor who works for disaster relief. Luc confronts him about his parents, but Oliver seems to not understand what the problem is and is frustrated at Luc’s insistence that he should be treated better.

Luc meets Christopher and his wife, Mia. Oliver and Christopher exchange insults that eventually include Oliver’s relationship history. Oliver counters by asking Christopher and Mia if they are “starting a family,” which hurts Mia. Mia walks away to get a drink, and Luc follows.

In the drink tent, Luc finds Mia and the two commiserate over the strained dynamic between Christopher and Oliver. Luc digs for information. Mia relays that, from Christopher’s perspective, the Blackwoods constantly push their support of his work in an overly performative way. Mia also shares that she and Christopher do not want children, but the Blackwoods want grandchildren and disregard Mia and Christopher’s desires.