Jenna Marvin, a 21-year-old queer artist, fearlessly confronts societal norms through her art in Russia. With her innovative use of found objects, abundant makeup, and a deluge of creativity, she creates otherworldly outfits and peculiar creatures that could be from a futuristic TV series, right in the heart of Moscow. While some of her attire is playful and imaginative, others are political statements drawing attention to the issues close to her heart.
Her outlandish drag performances receive mixed responses: intrigue from some, disdain from others, and a notable interest from the police to isolate her. Jenna and her companions often record these hostile incidences to highlight the homophobic aggression elicited by her mere presence in public areas. However, following a protest staged against the colors of the Russian flag, Jenna is expelled from beauty school and returns to Magadan, her grandparents' home. The crucial question she must answer is how to survive.
Agniia Galdanova’s respectful portrayal of Jenna arrives at a critical time. Galdanova's "Queendom" creatively illuminates the country's continued hostility towards the queer community through Jenna's experiences. Jenna faces repercussions for her protests, art, and even for her everyday presence in public spaces in eccentric attire. Jenna's existence, combined with her audacious attire, evokes curiosity in an environment not conducive to those like her.
"Queendom" is far from a tedious documentary. It navigates Jenna's artistic journey in Russia, providing room for her to perform for the viewers. It includes visually striking scenes that express her story in her idiosyncratic style. Galdanova and cinematographer Ruslan Fedotov craft marvelous close-ups, accentuating the detail of Jenna's performance and the intricacy of her costumes, akin to stylish music videos within the core footage.
Despite the geographical distance from Moscow, Magadan offers no safety. It's a desolate ex-Soviet era gulag, reflecting the country's past. Yet in her defiance, Jenna transports her art to the streets, challenging the society that might reject her and featuring prominently in the documentary.
Balancing a bold performance against faced dangers, Jenna's journey gestures towards the common struggles of self-discovery and empowerment within the queer community. All the while, she battles family pressures, who express fear for her safety and struggle to understand her need for self-expression, despite their love for her. Ultimately, Jenna's story is a testament to her audacity, and the broader story many others share in the fight for acceptance as a queer individual.
