Everybody's Talking About Jamie Review: A Dazzling Musical With Heart & Sparkle
Everybody's Talking About Jamie was adapted from the stage musical of the same name, with music by Dan Gillespie Sells and book and lyrics by Tom MacRae, which in turn was adapted from the BBC Three documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16, the story follows 16-year-old Jamie New who desires to become a fabulous drag queen. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a delightful and sincere coming-of-age musical comedy that gets a proper and lively film adaptation.
Starring newcomer Max Harwood in the titular role, the story has the right amount of charisma and heart to spark joy. Jonathan Butterell takes on the project as his directorial debut and does a good enough job translating the stage show to the big screen, with the film feeling like an honest interpretation of the show. For many who did not have the pleasure of watching the stage show starring either John McCrea (who originated the role) or Layton Williams, this film production acts as a suitable substitute. This feels very much like a filmed version of the stage show, but with on-location shooting spliced between musical moments. Butterell makes sure to inject tons of personality and joy into each sequence which lets audiences fully embrace the musical without feeling the constraint of a minimal budget.
The film's shining star is Harwood as the audacious Jamie New and his drag alter ego Mimi Me. The actor truly lights up the film from the very first frame. The film could have cast John McCrea in the role, but it is ideal to have someone pull off playing a 16-year-old to let the story flourish. (Is this shade towards Dear Evan Hansen? Yes, yes it is.) Harwood is equal parts bold, vulnerable, naïve, and dizzyingly witty. The versatility he displays from portraying one extreme of Jamie’s emotions to another paired with Jamie’s quieter moments highlight Harwood’s immense talent. The real kicker is that he has a lovely voice and knows how to strut in a fabulous pair of glittery red heels. He truly embraces the effervescent quality of Jamie and the film knows how best to capitalize on his innate magnetism.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is incredibly sincere and sentimental, and is an encouraging representation of the drag community. It would have been nice to have a more robust inclusion of the drag queens featured in the film, but Richard E. Grant’s Hugo Battersby / Loco Chanelle makes up for it. In a poignant moment in the film when Jamie makes the pivotal decision to wear a dress to prom, he is given a history lesson through the lens of Battersby’s memories as a thriving drag queen during the 1980s. It is in this moment — for some may be a bit heavy-handed — where the film delivers its best argument for existing. Jamie New is of a generation of young queer folk who are privileged to live in a society where most (but not all) of the battle for equality and freedom has been fought. Naturally, he would be a tad naïve towards the struggles faced before his fabulous self was born to his incredibly loving mother, Margaret (Sarah Lancashire). However, remnants of an intolerant society still exist, as seen through Jamie’s homophobic father (Ralph Ineson) and school teacher (Sharon Horgan). Jamie’s coming-of-age narrative requires him to know the story of those who came before him, and the struggles they faced so that he may walk proudly amongst them. It’s touching, heartfelt, and beautifully executed.
The film thrives on the unabashed love and respect Jamie has for himself. Although there is a moment of crisis with regards to his identity, it does not dissuade him from simply existing. The story isn’t so much about him learning to accept himself, but rather how does he share his most authentic self with the world. He has a loving support system as seen through his mother, her best friend (Shobna Gulati), and Jamie’s best friend Pritti Pasha (Lauren Patel) which offers a reprieve from narratives that often have queer characters isolated. The story is ultimately about self-love and learning to find happy and healthy means of expressing oneself. These themes aren’t even exclusively for Jamie. For example, briefly touched upon with Jamie’s friend Pritti, a hijabi Muslim girl, who also undergoes her own metamorphosis thanks to her supportive friendship with Jamie, as well as her support of him. Jamie’s coming-of-age narrative is one that many will relate to even if they aren’t in the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a resonant story for folks of all ages and backgrounds.
The story also has a hopeful message, that perhaps younger generations are not as intolerant as the generations before them, and that many kids like Jamie shouldn’t expect the worst from their peers. As was the case in real life, Jamie’s classmates supported him when it counted the most, something he didn’t expect. This is not to say that intolerance is completely eradicated, but stories like this visualize the best possible outcomes when people simply love and respect others without conditions or expectations. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie was born from a place of positivity, a place filled with hope and possibility — it is only right that the film adaptation of the story should reflect that. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is bright, joyous and hopeful. The script is honest, sweet, and humorous, and comes to life beautifully with a dazzling ensemble cast led by Harwood. The film is everything one could hope for in an uplifting narrative about a fabulous gay teen stepping into the spotlight, with a perfect pair of high heels.
Everybody's Talking About Jamie was released in select theatres on September 10, and will be streaming worldwide on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, September 17. It is 120 minutes long and is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, strong language, and suggestive material.