Russell Tovey sizzles in ‘Plainclothes’ - a raw dive into '90s cruising culture

British actor Russell Tovey is making headlines and setting pulses racing with his latest role in Plainclothes, a provocative romantic thriller set against the backdrop of 1990s New York cruising culture.

The film, directed by Carmen Emmi, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and has already garnered critical acclaim, winning the US Dramatic Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast.

Tovey stars opposite Hunger Games prequel lead Tom Blyth, who plays Lucas, a closeted undercover cop assigned to entrap gay men in public cruising hotspots. Tovey portrays Andrew, one of Lucas’s targets who unexpectedly becomes the object of his affection. The film’s trailer, which dropped this week, showcases their explosive chemistry and hints at a tense, emotionally charged narrative.

Set in locations ranging from shopping centre toilets to garden centres,  Plainclothes explores the moral and emotional turmoil of Lucas as he grapples with his duty and his desires. “You can always tell when a man is hiding something,” warns Lucas’s family in the trailer, as his double life begins to unravel.

Tovey’s performance has been described as “unfiltered and raw,” with the actor himself acknowledging the graphic nature of the film’s intimate scenes. “It’s beautifully filmed and it’s romantic,” he told Vanity Fair, adding that the scenes were choreographed with sensitivity and confidence thanks to a skilled intimacy coordinator.

Plainclothes is set for release in US cinemas on 19 September 2025, with a UK release date yet to be announced.