Discovering one’s identity and seeking love can be quite a challenging journey. For many in the queer community, drag serves as a means to explore and understand oneself more deeply. The act of applying makeup, donning glamorous outfits, and wearing extravagant wigs can unleash a hidden confidence. However, the French Canadian film Solo doesn’t focus on a drag queen’s journey; instead, it delves into the passionate highs and devastating lows of a troubled relationship, laying bare a tumultuous love affair.
Simon stands out as one of Quebec’s leading drag queens, celebrated for her fierce dance performances and stunning costumes, most of which are crafted by his close-knit sister. His family, including his father, wholeheartedly supports his artistic pursuits. Additionally, Simon is a talented makeup artist, seemingly having it all. Yet, like many, he is on the quest for love. Enter Oliver, a newcomer to the same club, and the two quickly fall madly in love. Their infatuation leads them to do everything together, including performing duet drag acts. However, early signs of Oliver’s controlling nature begin to surface, but Simon, blinded by love, overlooks them. Gradually, Oliver isolates Simon from his family, criticizes his creativity, and engages in one-night stands with others.
We learn that Simon’s longing for love is rooted in his childhood, stemming from his mother’s departure to pursue a singing career, which has now made her famous in Europe. As she visits Quebec, Simon desperately wants her to witness his performance and validate him. Unfortunately, the solo drag act he prepares for her ends in disaster. Ultimately, Simon realizes that Oliver isn’t the right partner for him and decides to break things off. He finally reaches out to his sister, whom he had been neglecting, and begins to rediscover himself. His final dance performance is mesmerizing, showcasing the transformative power of drag.
The actor portraying Simon truly brings the character to life. His nuanced performance feels authentic, capturing both sides of Simon’s persona beautifully. I’m eager to learn more about this actor; he shines both in and out of drag. While many associate abuse with physical actions, the film highlights how verbal and emotional abuse can be just as damaging psychologically, which is exactly what Oliver inflicts on Simon. Simon allows Oliver’s outbursts and infidelity to slide, taking the blame for his partner’s egregious behavior. In an attempt to rationalize the situation, Simon convinces himself that his neediness drives Oliver to act this way. In reality, like many abusers, Oliver exploits Simon’s insecurities against him.
Solo presents a painfully honest portrayal of toxic relationships. Despite the heavy themes, the filmmaker manages to keep the tone from becoming overly melancholic. Even in Simon’s darkest moments, there’s joy found in his family’s love—aside from his mother—and in the transformative essence of drag, an art form that can be difficult to authentically portray on screen. Although the film does become somewhat predictable and isn’t without its flaws, it brilliantly captures the beauty of love amid the backstage banter and lip-sync celebrations of the drag scene. Ultimately, when Simon breaks free from Oliver and reconnects with his support system (his sister), he learns to define himself and discovers the love he sought for so long, not in others, but within himself. Solo serves as a heartfelt tribute to the art of drag and a charming reminder of the confidence that resides in us all.
