Frameline50: ‘Test’ Writer/Star Brock Yurich & Director Sam McConnell On the Decade-Long Journey To Fruition [VIDEO]

A gritty gay bodybuilding narrative feature is working the LGBTQ film festival circuit—one that took almost a decade for the writer/lead actor, Brock Yurich, to get it made. The result is a true gem that will rattle you.

Deftly directed by Sam McConnell, Test, set in Eastern Ohio, follows Eddie (Yurich) a lovable amateur bodybuilder who dreams of competing in the big time. Eddie is managed and lives with his overly doting mother Joanne (a superb Tammy Blanchard)—suffice to say it’s an intense codependent relationship and the umbilical cord might not be completely cut. Eddie works hard at his body sculpting, but also waits tables and moonlights as a camboy, so the two don’t starve.

One day, after coming in third in a competition, Eddie seeks the help of a reputable trainer, Mike (Mike Edward). Their relationship becomes quite complicated. And sexual.

Test is a searing, intense drama that tackles antiquated and damaging notions of masculinity and how crushing religious fundamentalism can be on queer people trying to figure themselves out.

Yurich manages a one two cinematic punch. His impressive script is never didactic and boasts authentic dialogue. And his performance as Eddie is a total embodiment of a sexy, complicated dreamer, battling self-doubt and internalized homophobia but still holding onto hope.

The actor’s film appearances include The Boxer and the Butterfly, The Love Hunt, Goatand, most recently, Stop! That! Train! He also played killer bodybuilder Craig Titus in the biopic Fit for Murder.

His short films include T-County and 49: A Tribute to Pulse Night Club. And his TV credits include Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Succession, The Other Two, Poker Face as well as being a regular on Tyler Perry’s The Have and the Have Nots from 2018 to 2021.

McConnell’s first feature as director was the award-winning doc Camp RicStar in 2024, about a life-changing music therapy camp for kids with disabilities. He produced two HBO docs, The Out List and The Trans List and has directed episodes of The Warehouse Phase and Older Hotter Wiser. He’s also directed five short films.

Test is having its west coast premiere at Frameline on June 25^th. Visit: FRAMELINE

From Frameline the film moves on to OutFest (L.A.) and is currently seeking distribution.

The Contending had a fab VIDEO chat with Yurich & McConnell.