Solo

“Solo” both honors and transcends its subject matter in its widely evocative, deeply affecting character study — while also happening to have an absolutely banging soundtrack.

“Solo” avoids tired tropes and celebrates drag itself (the scenes of both stars performing are outstanding) and those who step out on the stage while dealing with their own struggles and desires.

As the film’s title reminds us, at the center of Solo is the question not just of what can Glory Gore achieve as a solo performer up on stage but of what Simon can become when he stands on his own (alone, if not lonely) in his life.

Director Sophie Dupuis blends queer euphoria with toxic love in a French-Canadian love letter to drag that skirts past cliche in favour of nuanced celebration.


At its heart is a reverence for the art and culture of drag, and the ambition of “Solo” is an exciting preview to what bother Dupuis and Pellerin have to offer.

Simon’s drag spectacles may be intentionally fierce and operatic, but there’s something refreshing about this drama’s intimate scale and lack of interest in sweeping tragedies, especially in the context of queer cinema.

A story that goes beyond the worn-out clichés of drag and the LGBT label and reaches new heights of virtuosity and majesty... [Full review in Spanish]

Sophie Dupuis completes a vibrant queer portrait that is also an excessive homage to the excess of life itself. [Full review in Spanish]

The film shows us that the creative spirit cannot be killed, no matter how hard external forces may try.

Sophie Dupuis is no Paul Verhoeven, but she has managed to combine a skillful deconstruction of drag psychology with a toxic love story in which everyone can recognize themselves. [Full Review in Spanish]