Considering that this was a television movie, made in the the relatively early stages of the AIDS epidemic, "An Early Frost" is especially impressive. Yes, the scenes between the lawyer and his boyfriend are awkward, but the performances are outstanding. Aidan Quinn, as Michael, has never been better and the late Sylvia Sidney is wonderful as his grandmother. Gena Rowlands is excellent as usual, but the most surprising performance comes from Ben Gazarra as Michael's father. As a tough, blue-collar disciplinarian, Gazarra is repulsed by his son's lifestyle but eventually accepts him. The best scene in the film, and the riskiest, is the confrontation between Michael and his father in the garage. Much better than later films such as "Philadelphia."