NEW YORK — Daniel Craig’s latest film represents a significant shift from his iconic role as James Bond.

In “Queer,” the British actor embarks on his first serious role following his 15-year stint as 007, which concluded with the dramatic “No Time to Die” in 2021. This daring new drama is inspired by William S. Burroughs’ 1985 novel, chronicling the life of Lee (played by Craig), a troubled expat struggling with alcoholism and addiction as he pursues younger men in 1940s Mexico City. His hedonistic lifestyle faces challenges when he becomes infatuated with the mysterious Allerton (Drew Starkey), pushing Lee to seek a genuine connection with his enigmatic partner.

“Queer” features moments that are both highly sensual and downright unconventional. The film’s ambitious and psychedelic final act may not resonate with all audiences or Oscar voters. This project sees the reunion of director Luca Guadagnino from “Challengers” with screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes, who shared their thoughtful ideas about an extended ayahuasca scene and their intentions to deviate from Burroughs’ original narrative.

“We contemplated the book as a door that opens briefly; we thought, ‘What if we stepped through it?'” Kuritzkes shared during a discussion at the New York Film Festival, where the film was showcased on Sunday night.

Craig, who was last seen in the 2022 mystery “Glass Onion,” expressed his desire to collaborate with Guadagnino for many years.

“You don’t often come across scripts like this, so when you do, you seize the opportunity,” Craig shared. “I didn’t know how it would turn out, but I was certain the process would be worthwhile.” Ultimately, he aimed to create “something beautiful and unforgettable, centered around love.”

The straightforward star bristled at the notion that “Queer” represents a “change” for him post-Bond, highlighting that he has previously engaged in similarly provocative films during the late 1990s and early 2000s, including “Love is the Devil” and “The Mother.”

“The very reason I got into filmmaking stemmed from movies like this,” Craig stated. “It’s something I embraced in my earlier career before transitioning to mainstream roles.”

Uma Thurman shares her connection with Paul Schrader over Taylor Swift

“Queer” was the highlight of an active weekend at the New York Film Festival. On Saturday, the quirky memory-driven drama “Oh, Canada” from director Paul Schrader (“Taxi Driver”) premiere was met with unexpected commotion: climate activists stormed the stage during the screening, unfurling a banner reading “no film on a dead planet,” which prompted boos from the audience until security escorted them away.

“I was quite anxious about meeting him — this formidable director known for his iconic films,” Thurman recounted during a post-screening discussion. “On my way there, my driver was Googling him. She was astonished to find out he is a massive Taylor Swift fan! I thought, ‘Really?’ After seeing Paul’s tweet supporting Taylor, I felt relieved and knew I was in capable hands.’

Marianne Jean-Baptiste shines in ‘Hard Truths’

To prepare for the role, she conducted exercises that explored During a Q&A session following a screening, the British actress made a light-hearted comment, saying, “I went to the supermarket as Pansy. Thankfully, no one was injured!” She reflected on the film “Hard Truths,” which concludes with an open ending, expressing, “I find that wonderful. It gives the audience room to interpret the story for themselves. We frequently remain unaware of the sources of people’s pain.”

The festival wraps up later this week with the release of the World War II film “Blitz,” featuring Saoirse Ronan.