Solo (2024)

There is a beautiful moment near the end of Solo, where the main character is told by his sister that the power he feels when he's in drag comes from within him, that almost brought me to tears. Solo is, if anything, a love story about discovering love for one's self. Simon struggles with a toxic relationship, disconnect from his idealized mother, to find in the end that the love he needed was right there all along, in him. 

Dupuis' script and direction is gentle yet strong. She tells her story in rather typical yet subtly beautiful ways. Teamed with Pellerin, who gives a break out performance here, they craft a truly lovely story of falling in love with yourself which is powerful and inspiring. 

Filled with strong drag numbers and a beautiful central performance by Pellerin, Solo often feels like it's going to be like many other in the queer romance genre. Until it isn't and becomes something more. I love a good romance that teaches us sometimes we are better off solo. 

Solo

Starring: Théodore Pellerin, Félix Maritaud, Anne-Marie Cadieux 

Writer/Director: Sophie Dupuis