I love horror movies and drag queens, so I was very excited about seeing the new Advocate Originals’ Big Easy Queens now available for streaming on Hulu. It serves as an excellent watch for Pride month or any time of the year. Being a native of New Orleans, I was particularly excited to observe how they portray a film centered around NOLA. Although the movie is set in New Orleans, it was actually filmed in Fort Lauderdale. Typically, I am not fond of films that are not shot in the city they are depicting; however, I will overlook this since both cities are prominent gay destinations near and dear to my heart. And I understand budget constraints.
Big Easy Queens offers 80 minutes of unadulterated queer escapism, seamlessly blending elements of camp, crime noir, horror, and high-drama drag. The feature was filmed in 2022 amidst the peak of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law and anti-drag legislation. This was another reason why the creators of this movie decided to film in Florida; as a way to give their state officials’ hateful rhetoric the middle finger. This LGBTQ Glam Horror Musical received the Audience Award at Popcorn Frights. The film was directed by Erynn Dalton and penned by Robert Leleux.
The queer musical horror comedy showcases RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Suzie Toot, renowned drag performers Miss Bouvèé and Varla Jean Merman, cherished Florida entertainer Jennifer McClain, American Idol alum Matthew Darren, and Cuban-American actor Alexander Zenoz. Additionally, the film includes original musical performances, voodoo, zombies, and drag queens, all set against the sultry backdrop of New Orleans.
The narrative is a little over the top but centers around the Mob Queen of the Quarter, Minnie Bouvèé (Miss Bouvèé), and her conflict with her estranged sister, Mimi Bouvèé-Truvé (Suzie Toot), along with Minnie’s arch-nemesis, Poodles Makenzie (Jennifer McClain). Following the brutal slaughter of Poodles’ crew by Minnie, she prepares for the repercussions; however, she is unprepared for the stalking by a sinister masked figure who leaves behind bouquets of gardenias and chilling notes. Additionally, there is more drama involving Minnie’s estranged sister, who had taken her partner (Matthew Darren) years prior and has now unexpectedly re-entered her life.
I found it enjoyable to see Varla Jean Merman, a part-time resident of New Orleans, portraying a dual role in the film. The movie is entirely over-the-top camp, so grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to be whisked away to the Big Easy via Fort Lauderdale, featuring some scene-stealing, fabulous drag queens and enticing queer eye candy.
