Title: Queens of Drama
MPA Rating: Not Yet Rated
Director: Alexi Langlois
Starring: Louiza Aura, Gio Ventura, Bilal Hassani
Runtime: 1 hr 54 mins

What It Is: Mimi Madamour (Aura) is a contestant on a popular French talent show. She meets punk rocker Billie (Ventura), and the two instantly hit it off. Mimi discovers a lot about herself, both as a person and as a performer. This encounter marks the beginning of a decades-long relationship—a love that must remain hidden in a world not yet ready for a queer pop icon. With passion and intensity between them, this musical’s take on love is both unique and captivating.

What We Think: This is a rocking, stunning, and breathtakingly unique experience—you’ve never seen a film quite like this, I can guarantee that. Both I and, from what I could tell, most of the audience had an absolute blast watching it. Let’s start with the obvious: the music is phenomenal. It absolutely rips. Aura and Ventura have incredible on-screen chemistry, with an unparalleled electricity in every frame. Langlois infuses the film with energy from the very first minute. Bilal Hassani’s performance as the “influencer” Steevy Shady offers us an unreliable narrator we can’t help but love, hate, and love to hate—a sentiment I’m sure they’d agree with. Is this film going to be for everyone? No. It’s a musical, which some people may not prefer, and it’s in French, which may deter others. Still, I urge you to give this one a shot.

Our Grade: A-, This is unlike anything I saw at Fantastic Fest 2024. I’ve included the main track from Aura’s character, Mimi, called “Pas Touche!” If this song doesn’t get stuck in your head, I don’t know what will. It’s catchy and exactly the type of track you’d expect from a pop queen. The film releases at the end of November, and it’s exactly what we need right now—a gritty musical that skips the flash and pomp we’re sure to get with Wicked.