2024   |   1h 40min   |   English  

Director:   Amrou Al-Kadhi

Stars:  Bilal Hasna (3 Body Problem), Louis Greatorex, Tim Bowie (Hoard)

Layla, an Arab drag queen with a dazzling stage presence, masks their deep yearning for love behind a confident exterior. When Layla's bold performance at a dismissive corporate Pride event takes an unexpected turn, they catch the eye of Max, a marketing executive. As Layla tries to reshape their true self to keep Max's attention, both must confront the uncomfortable realities of their lives. What begins as a magnetic romance evolves into a journey of self-discovery and vulnerability, challenging both Layla and Max to reconcile their desires with their identities. This vibrant and heartfelt film explores the intersection of personal truth and romantic aspiration in the world of drag.

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Reviews:

“Sparkling” - BFI Sight & Sound

“A fascinating character portrait” - Variety

“A Sundance-friendly indie romance” - The Wrap

“A winning performance” - Deadline Hollywood

“Exuberant… Sensitive, well-acted, and confidently shot” - IndieWire

“An engaging study of love in the pronoun era." - Deadline

“A sensitive, well-acted, and confidently shot feature" - IndieWire

“Tender” - Screen International

"Visually stunning from floor to ceiling." - College Movie Review

“A delectable spectacle, offering up a joyous assortment of sensorial delights.” - Asian Movie Pulse

“Sizzles in multiple ways, as a sexy celebration of queerness and as a shout-out about our need to be true to ourselves wherever we go.” - San Jose Mercury

“A pulsating hymn to the defiance of queer joy” - The Queer Review

“The costumes are great, the drag makeup ain’t bad, the soundtrack is fantastic and Layla lip-syncing to “Release Me” by Agnes? Well, yes.” - The Playlist

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Festivals / Awards: 

Sundance Film Festival 2024 - Nominee, Best Film

BFI London Film Festival 2024 - Nominee, Best Film

BFI Flare Festival - Opening Gala