Popcorn and pride
Our guest blogger KewKay’s is here with some stellar recommendations for films to watch this autumn. So, read this, and then get the snacks and blankets (and tissues!) out for some amazing film nights.
How could I start with anything but Nimona? Yes, it’s recent, but I think it’s easily gonna stick with me forever. The film follows Ballister’s story: the first commoner-turned-knight the kingdom’s ever seen, much to the citizens’ disapproval. Yet, disaster strikes! And he finds himself stuck with chaos-magnet Nimona, trying to set the record right (and get back his boyfriend, Goldenloin.) It’s such a beautifully animated yet mature film, that doesn’t hinge entirely on being a queer film - the representation is in a natural flow, with diversity in every sense of the word. Disabilities, POCs, queers? You’ve got it all in this melting pot.
It’s also very cleverly made - the flickering question of Nimona’s identity (not just because she’s a shapeshifter…wait, did I forget to mention that?) is so brilliantly done as to quietly propose the notion that queerness blurs boundaries that society and institutions work to uphold.
If you want to engage in the socially critical theories, Nimona does that in a fun and vibrant package of very loveable characters. If you just want some laughs and tears, then Nimona will do it for you too.
Now here’s a real heart churner - Badhaai Do, and my personal favourite on this list (no, I’m not biased because I’m South Asian, thank you very much.) Shardul and Sumi’s lavender marriage, and their attempts to keep up appearances, is as humorous as heartbreaking. Sure, the couple’s collective silliness and odd plots (seriously, Shardul? Rhimjim is Sumi’s cousin?) is insanely funny, and will get a giggle from anyone. Yet, there’s a constant lingering, depressing thought about the extents queers must go through in order to satisfy everyone but themselves- remembering that same-sex marriage is not legally recognised in India, or anywhere in South Asia, has me feeling like Shardul did, sobbing on the roof. Please watch Badhaai Do - not only will you laugh, you’d be getting diversity in a usually white-dominated queer media market, and would also be supporting the queers in countries where people can’t say they’re queer. I think for the heavy blend of feelings with great music, it’s worth a view, and maybe you’ll go crazy about it like I did.
Now, But I’m A Cheerleader is a much older film than the others on this list, but that just means it gets to have the title of a classic! Now, the best thing about it isn’t that it’s free to watch on YouTube - well, yeah, it is. But I’m A Cheerleader features Megan, a cheerleader who realises she’s a lesbian…at a conversion camp? And somehow leaves gayer? While I am certain we are all aware of the devastating nature of conversion camps, this wonderful movie has so many humorous moments, whilst also cunningly playing with traditional gender norms. I’d advise that the movie can have some language rather triggering or shocking for some people- but most is censored on YouTube, if that helps. I was certainly shocked to see who RuPaul played… I actually watched this with a group of friends and at the end, we were out of our seats cheering for Graham. It also incites so much nostalgia- watching Megan have her gay awakening made me think of mine…but that’s an entry for another time ;)
I’m sure you can tell us all about yours, and your opinion on these movies, at the next Redbridge Rainbow event? We’d love to add your queer media recommendations to Redbridge Rainbow’s list. And why not head to the East London LGBTQ+ Film Festival on 8-9 November in Romford? The Redbridge Pride film will be showing as part of the festival on the Sunday afternoon slot (3-5pm).
