Review of Freak Show (2018) by Eloise P — 29 Mar 2018

Based on Party Monster James St. James's novel, this light-hearted indie drama gives us Billy Bloom, a gay teenager arriving on his first day at a new school dressed in his own flamboyant and unique style, and explores the bullying culture against a non-conforming minority with a funny screenplay that's believable and super self-aware at the same time.

First time director Trudie Styler (assisted by cinematographer Dante Spinotti who gives it an extra professional sheen) delivers a breezy film about acceptance and tolerance that is heartfelt and charming in equal measures.

Sentiments are thankfully kept in check as the script avoids easy options and over-neat resolutions to ground an already fairytale-like story with a sense of reality. It further boasts an amiable cast of young actors, and in particular Alex Lawther's Billy, who never grates or falls into stereotypes; and a fabulous whirlwind of a cameo by Bette Midler as Billy's mum; but it's Celia Weston who won me over as the initially disapproving housekeeper whose compassion shines through in crucial moments in the film.

Giving the main character a gay twist (and a privileged background that might justify the many outrageous outfits he can afford but could otherwise detracts from the film's message), this follows in the footsteps of films such as the recent Lady Bird, and even Election, going further back, and is a likeable and resonating film for audiences queer or not alike.