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The Queens

Name: The Queens
Director: Adrienne Gruben
Released: 2019
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

6.7/10

Good

2019

Director

Adrienne Gruben

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Queens provides a significant look at gender fluidity and queer identity through the lens of high-profile drag performers. By centering the ability to act of these artists, the film moves beyond surface-level representation into a detailed study of subcultural life. The documentary succeeds in challenging conventional gender expectations and exploring the complexities of individual truth. It avoids traditional moral frameworks, opting instead for a situational understanding of the performers' lived experiences. However, the film's focus on a specific subculture leaves questions regarding racial and ethnic breadth. While the subjects are central to the narrative, the specific racial demographics are not a primary focus of the documentation.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Queens have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film delves deeply into queer artistry and identity by focusing on drag performers. It critiques the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender and explores diverse gender expressions.

How does The Queens portray gender?

Excellent

The documentary challenges traditional gender roles by highlighting the fluid nature of gender. Subjects showcase professional mastery and take control of their narratives, presenting gender as a flexible concept.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Queens?

Fair

The film primarily focuses on the specific subculture of drag performance. The racial backgrounds of the four main subjects are not explicitly detailed in the narrative.

How does The Queens represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film captures a nuanced understanding of life by documenting personal tragedies. It highlights a community that often operates outside traditional Western religious or institutional norms.

Does The Queens include disability representation?

Minimal

While the film mentions subjects dealing with major tragedies, there is no evidence of specific physical or neurodivergent disabilities as central narrative drivers.

Present on Screen

The film centers the ability to act of queer performers, allowing for a multifaceted character study.
It effectively challenges conventional gender norms through the artistry of drag performances.
The documentary provides a nuanced look at a community existing outside traditional Western institutions.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks explicit detail regarding the racial and ethnic backgrounds of the subjects.
There is no clear representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the central story.

Official Synopsis

This documentary chronicles over two years in the heels of four of the world’s most famous drag queens including former RuPaul’s Drag Race winners Jinkx Monsoon and Sharon Needles, former All Stars champion Alaska Thunderf*ck and season 7 and All Stars 2 contestant Katya Zamolodchikova. From performing across world stages to winning (and losing) Drag Race or dealing with major tragedies, The Queens lifts the lace front, giving an insight into one of the most fascinating and quickly ascending entertainment artforms.

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