The film follows young non-binary drag queen, Layla, through their relationship with Max, their sister and themselves. Layla experiences the hypocrisy of some gay men, the interaction of femininity and sex, and the socially isolating reality of being a queer Palestinian.
The incredible use of humour, song, and dance throughout portrays an excellent celebration of drag and balances out the turmoil that Layla’s inner battles cause the audience. It is a very colourful, tender, and vulnerable exploration of the importance of queer community - especially the black and brown queer community.
The non-normative family structures in this film are poignant in providing a soft and safe space for our protagonist, and for representing the necessity of community when your identity ejects you from your original group. Layla’s three friends and flatmates bring a key humorous and relevant undertone as they fundraise for the drag club they frequent and berate Layla’s debasement of themselves for Max.
Layla is a steamy, tender, and touching film that captivates an audience for just long enough to really expose the inner workings of Layla’s identity, and to leave them feeling fulfilled and emotionally attached!
The central relationship between Max and Layla is a frustrating one that has the audience warring inside - one moment Max is a sweetheart and the next he is enemy number one. The lack of communication and easy acceptance of ignorance reels the audience in until they are rooting for their success, no matter their problems. Max’s strange occupation with octopuses is a quirky character trait that escalates into a daring metaphor that is potentially suffocating but appropriate.
The set and costumes are astonishing, with an incredible foray of drag costumes and colourful concoctions. A compelling attack is launched against corporate pride and their refusal to accept the expression of queerness that is true and freeing to the queer community. A creasing scene featuring Layla covering themselves in ready meal meat takes the prize for one of the most outlandish scenes in the film, alongside Max's confession to drawing tentacle porn.
Layla is a steamy, tender, and touching film that captivates an audience for just long enough to really expose the inner workings of Layla’s identity, and to leave them feeling fulfilled and emotionally attached!
This film is screening at Tyneside Cinema, head over to check it out and more!
