This movie is a sparkly nightmare, and I love it!
Anyone who is absolutely sick of algorithmically processed, bland “content” needs to catch Queens of Drama in the theater immediately. Queer cinema has needed a tune-up beyond the realm of “good taste” with messy characters, wild set pieces, and a tone kitschier than a drag queen’s dressing room during an 80’s ball competition. The whirlwind journey of this one-hit wonder diva’s rise and fall is more entertaining than any Oscar-nominated music biopic.
Set in 2005, Queens of Drama follows aspiring pop idol Mimi Madamour (Louiza Aura) and her electrically charged but deeply toxic relationship with punk icon Billie Kohler (Gio Ventura). After Mimi wins an American Idol-ish show, “Stars in the Making,” her career skyrockets as her relationship with Billie gets more chaotic. Director Alexis Langlois delivers so much glam to capture the bottomless cruelty of the 2000s music scene. Langolis turns every moment up to 11, aided by making Queens of Drama a musical. The songs are excellent, with Mimi delivering solid Europop bangers, a mix of Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, and Dua Lipa, but in French, and Billie’s punk hits absolutely kill. Yes, there is a song about fisting, and it’s fantastic, plus the “Leave Britney Alone” homage was a fitting icing on the cake.
There is a glut of excellent performances in the film, Bilal Hassani is Perfect Blue levels of obsessively terrifying as Mimi’s biggest fan, but Louiza Aura and Gio Ventura are perfect together. Their longing, insecurity, and chemistry are so raw that it’s easy to see why they’d want to be together and why they absolutely should not be together. Louiza Aura, as Mimi, is an excellent singer, and you can feel her longing and heartbreak as she tries to navigate the music industry. You can feel how being closeted holds her back and constantly eats away at her. Meanwhile, Gio’s angst, frustration, and toxic passion are so palpable, even as she gets more unhinged with Mimi’s popularity. Both characters are incredibly compelling, both together and apart.
Queens of Drama needs to be seen to be believed. Its intensity and raw Europop camp energy is breathtaking. It’s cinematic messy excitement and i was completely transfixed throughout the film. Its a perfect party movie best enjoyed with drinks and dancing after the screening. Give this film a watch in the theater as soon as possible.