‘Unicorns' Review: Where Glitter Meets Grit
'Unicorns,' directed by Sally El Hosaini and James Krishna Floyd, follows in the cinematic tradition of straight men bonding with L.G.B.T.Q. characters — this time arriving at a moment when drag performers face renewed attacks.
Their unlikely encounter begins at a nightclub in East London, when Luke, a white working-class guy, accidentally stumbles into the underground 'gaysian' scene on his way to the bathroom. His eyes are fixed on Aysha, the night's star performer. But why would Aysha — who later says that she receives death threats for doing drag — seek him out not once, but twice? First, by running in front of his car after his agitated reaction to their kiss, and then by showing up at his car repair shop in Essex. None of this clicks with who we discover Aysha to be: guarded by necessity.
Whether the later conflict involving queer infighting comes off as a thoughtless subversion of expectations depends on if you identify more with Luke or Aysha. More effective are the subtleties within their blossoming romance, like during a karaoke duet sequence that shows Luke softening to Aysha's charms. Hardy peels back the layers to reveal Luke's sexual awakening so viscerally that it's easier to overlook the film's narrative shortcuts.
UnicornsNot rated. Running time: 1 hour 59 minutes. In theaters.
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