This fun and festive coming-of-age musical follows young Jamie’s story; a shy gay teen turned sensational drag queen.
Although following the typical, outdated formula for gay coming-of-age stories, “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” is a cheeky, fun time tailored to resonate with LGBTQ+ youth. The film adaptation of the popular West End musical “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” is the perfect feel-good film to usher us back into film-watching after COVID shutdowns. Although the film’s original October 2020 debut was delayed, Amazon Studios will now allow viewers to watch via their streaming service. The film is celebratory, filled with high fashion, bright and heartfelt musical numbers, and hilarious Bianca Del Rio cameos. It emphasizes themes of uniqueness, individuality, and courage in the face of bigotry.
Jamie (Max Harwood) in “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.”
Max Harwood stars as Jamie, an exceptional 16-year-old, causes a stir at his local high school when he decides to attend his school prom in drag. Having long dreamed of being a successful drag queen, Jamie feels he’s taking steps towards his future dreams, that is until he encounters bullies, prejudice, and an unsupportive father.
When Jamie discovers seasoned drag queen Loco Chanelle, she supports and guides Jamie through his drag journey and even his debut performance in drag. Lauren Pattel stars as Pritti Pasha, Jamie’s soft-spoken best friend with doctoral ambitions, must balance her loyalty and encouragement of Jamie with her own needs and wants. With the help of his drag mother, his actual mother, and his friends, Jamie sings and dances his way to stardom, leaving his doubters in the dust.
The film premiered to a modest-sized crowd at an advanced screening in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene Park. Surrounded by fellow LGBTQ+ members and allies, moviegoers enjoyed food, drink, and music on the lawn of Fort Greene Park ahead of the film’s premiere. After delightful pre-show performances from New York drag legends Jackie Cox, who starred on season 12 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Marti Gould Cummings, attendees were treated to movie merchandise and introductions from Rooftop Films.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie premieres Friday, September 17.
