Drag is an essential art form of the queer community. It was not until recently that Drag Queens became a substantial and influential part of the entertainment industry, finally expanding intotelevision series likeRuPaul’s Drag RaceandAJ and the Queen, movies likeKinky Boots(which is also a musical), and even Broadway musicals likeHead Over Heels.
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Little do many people know, though, that drag artists have been a part of American culture and entertainment for longer than they realize. In one ofDisney’s most successful animated films,The Little Mermaid, Ursula the Sea Witch was inspired by the popular the drag queenDivine, best known for his work with filmmakerJohn Waters. Now that drag has taken the spotlight, the queens can be a part of and even create their own Hollywood films.
‘Hurricane Bianca’ (2016)
Drag RacealumBianca Del Riodirected, wrote, and starred inHurricane Bianca. The film follows a school teacher named Richard as he moves to New York City from a small town in Texas and begins work at a new school. When he is outed by the community in the city and then fired, he wants revenge.
So, as any other person would, he returns as Bianca Del Rio, his drag persona, and causes some trouble in the Big Apple. The movie is marketed as a comedy but also touches on important queer social issues in the country.The film also features fellowDrag RacestarsWilliam,Shangela Laquifa Wadley,Alyssa Edwards, andRuPaul!
‘Trixie Mattel: Moving Parts’
Trixie Mattel: Moving Partsis a documentary following one of the most successful andwell-loved Drag Queens in the country,Trixie Mattel. The documentary chronicles Mattel’s rise to fame, music career, and life after winning Season 3 ofRuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. The film is vivid, raw, and highlights the struggles that Queens have to endure while performing, even those who have created a platform for themselves.
Any fan of Trixie Mattel would absolutely adore this movie, and this is by far one of the most candid (and, of course, humorous) documentaries to date.
‘Dumplin’' (2018)
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The film starsDanielle Macdonaldas the titular character,Jennifer Anistonas her mother, and even futuresDrag RacealumGinger Minjas a drag character named Candee Disch. Sounds pretty sweet!
‘A Star is Born’ (2018)
The famous and well-loved filmA Star is Born, starringLady GagaandBradley Cooper,also features two famousDrag Racesuperstars! For those who are unaware of the plot ofA Star is Born, the film follows an alcoholic musician (Cooper) who falls in love with a young singer (Gaga) he also discovered named Ally Maine.
In a scene in a drag bar, Shangela appears as the MC while William appears as a Drag Queen named Emerald. Any fan of theDrag Raceuniverse will appreciate seeing those two queens included in such a historic film!
‘Cherry Pop’ (2017)
Cherry Popis a 2017 film starringDrag RaceSeason 1 winner and iconBob the Drag Queen. Alongside Bob areLatrice Royale,Mayhem Miller, Tempest DuJour, andDetox Icunt. The film follows a group of Drag Queens who encounter an outsider and must deal with their inner demons during a wild night at a failing drag club.
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There is betrayal, love, heartbreak, and acceptance as the renowned queen of the club Lady Zaza prepares for her final show. This film is pure fun! And with so many famousDrag Racecameos, any fan of the show will adore their watch.
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