A Montreal Drag Queen deals with self-esteem issues in his personal and professional life in Solo. Simon (Théodore Pellerin) is a makeup artist by day, who performs in Montreal's drag scene at night. Things seem to be looking up for Simon, as he falls for new drag artist Olivier (Félix Maritaud), who recently moved to Montreal from France. At a family gathering, Simon learns that his opera singer mother Claire (Anne-Marie Cadieux) is returning to Montreal after living in Europe for the past fifteen years. Despite the objections of Simon's sister Maude (Alice Moreault), Simon makes attempts to reconnect. Simon's estranged relationship with his mother and the seemingly one-sided nature of his relationship with Olivier ends up adding stress to both Simon's personal and professional life.
Solo Synopsis
Solo is a drama written and directed by Sophie Dupuis, set under the backdrop of Montreal's drag scene. The film stars Théodore Pellerin (Boy Erased, Never Rarely Sometimes Always), an up-and-coming drag artist, whose outfits are designed by his sister Maude. Simon ends up falling head-over-heels for Olivier, played by Félix Maritaud (You Won't Be Alone), a more experienced drag artist, who takes Simon under his wing. At the same time, Simon is trying to reconnect with his estranged mother Claire, played by Anne-Marie Cadieux (The Trotsky), who never seems to have the time for him.
My Thoughts on Solo
With drag culture now more mainstream thanks to series such as Ru Paul's Drag Race, Solo is a film intended to appeal to all audiences, despite its LGTBQ-themed narrative. Solo is a film that will probably end up standing alongside Jean-Marc Vallée's C.R.A.Z.Y. and Xavier Dolan's Laurence Anyways for this crossover appeal. Ultimately Solo is a film about the protagonist Simon discovering his sense of self, as opposed to relying on others for personal validation. The result is a very inspirational film, with a great lead performance by Théodore Pellerin.
Trailer for Solo – TIFF Canada's Top Ten 2023
