TIFF 2023 | Movie Review: "Solo" Is Fantastically Queer and Emotionall Devastating
11/12 ForReel Score | 4.5/5 Stars
Finding one's identity and the search for love can be a difficult undertaking. For many in the queer community, the art of drag is used to gain a deeper understanding of oneself. Putting makeup on, dressing in glamorous outfits, and sporting luscious wigs can unlock an inner confidence. Taking on a drag persona becomes a liberating experience that allows one to better explore their inner self. Writer/director Sophie Dupuis (Underground) deeply understands that magic. Her latest film Solo is an evocative and tender portrayal of a young queer artist who strives to gain a better understanding of his own self-worth.
Image courtesy of TIFF
Simon (Théodore Pellerin, Genesis) is one of Quebec’s premiere drag queens. His persona, Glory Gore, is known for her fierce dance numbers and awe-inspiring outfits. Away from the bright lights and adoring fans however, Simon doesn’t really know how to exist as his own person. From the outside, it appears that he has it all. He has a successful career as a professional makeup artist. His family is extremely supportive of his artistic endeavors, with his sister, played by Alice Moreault (Le jeu), designing his outfits and his father and stepmother attending many of his performances. Yet there is a hole in Simon's heart. His desire for romantic kinship is not just a want, but a need. So when a new performer starts at the club, Simon falls head over heels.
It's seemingly perfect. Olivier (Félix Maritaud, 120 BPM) and his drag persona, Dragona, are the harmonious blend for Simon and Glory Gore. The two are so infatuated with one another that as their relationship blossoms, they begin to do everything together, including drag performances. As red flags appear, Simon is too blinded by love to pay them any mind. He allows Oliver's fits of rage and infidelity to slide and accepts the blame for his egregious behavior. In order to rationalize the situation, Simon reasons that his neediness pushes Oliver to commit these actions. When in reality, like many abusers, Oliver recognizes Simon's insecurities and weaponizes them against him. The film is a painfully honest depiction of toxic relationships.
Most people associate abuse with physical actions, but in fact verbal and emotional abuse are just as scarring on a psychological level. Dupuis captures this toxic relationship in the simplest of terms - how it starts with a high euphoria and how swiftly it deteriorates. One partner transforms into a demanding oligarch while the other falls into themselves. Simon’s need for love stems from his distant relationship with his mother. He craves for her love and support and rationalizes her inability to give it to him. That paves the way for him to do the same in his relationship with Oliver. Maritaud never depicts Oliver as an outright villain, but rather as a human with his own struggles and an inability to resolve them in a healthy manner.
Image courtesy of TIFF
Solo marks Dupuis’s and Pellerin’s third time working together, following their collaborations on Family First and Underground. Upon being asked what he would like to do next, Pellerin expressed an interest in playing a drag queen. Already considering her next endeavor to deal with toxic relationships, the two took to Quebec's queer clubs and embedded themselves into the scene. Pellerin breathes life into the role of Simon; his nuanced performance feels lived in, perfectly playing both sides of the character. His final dance performance is absolutely captivating and highlights the power of drag.
While the story is predictable at times, the craftsmanship keeps Solo a radiant film. Cinematographer Mathieu Laverdière (And the Birds Rained Down) has a tender eye on Simon allowing the audience to fall in love with him. To see his starling bright highs and his cold isolating lows. The further Simon is pulled away from his support system the wider the shot. Color also seems to dull as the film progresses. The club is less vibrant, the outfits are darker, the audience feels every ounce of Simon’s seclusion.
Drag is an act of political defiance. No person or institution will control queer expression. Behind the bitchy banter and fabulous lip syncs is a celebration of love. Solo brilliantly captures that beauty. Focusing not just on finding the sense of community, but personal adoration. Simon is able to define himself and find the love he sought for so long, not in others, but in himself. Solo is a love letter to the act of drag and a charming reminder of the confidence that lives in us all.
Acting and Casting - 2 | Visual Effects and Editing - 2 | Story and Message - 1| Entertainment Value - 2 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 2| Reviewer's Preference -2 | What does this mean?