In an effort to build a space for queer people like myself, every Tuesday I’ll be posting interviews, opinion pieces, listicals, reviews, and more focused on the LGBT community (and occasionally about the Latinx community since I am Latinx.) Welcome to Queerly Not Straight! Enjoy and leave a comment below if you have a suggestion for what I should cover next.
HAPPY PRIDE MONTH! Expect more posts this month, from interviews to reviews and more!
From A to Q by Emmalie El Fadli is a story about how dreams can change our lives. A lot of times people say that dreams speak what has not been spoken. Sometimes it’s a load of hogwash. I did not dream of skydiving because I wanted to skydive. But sometimes, like in the case of Alex, it speaks the truth that she didn’t even know was hidden within her. That truth being that she like likes her best friend Kayla.
Having this dream throws Alex for a loop like none that she’s experienced before. All she can think about is the dream. She breaks it down, bit by bit, until another dream pops up and she’s left feeling like she’s not one with her body and the things it wants. Which, is a feeling anyone could relate to, especially when instinct drives us forward and we have to decode what it all means like Alex has to when it comes to Kayla.
Sophie Rivers, who plays Alex, does an outstanding job at walking the line between discovery, want, and denial. She hits every comedic bit and did I mention that she looked stunning while doing so. Like…she wasn’t the skinny cute queer woman that I’m used to seeing when it comes to LGBTQ stories. She was a bigger girl, like me. And I really appreciate the choice to included different body types in From A to Q.
Then there’s Kayla, played by Holly Ashman. This actress does a really good job at balancing out Alex’s discovery, want, and denial by displaying her own emotions of confusion, happiness, and hope for the future in the form of Kayla. Also, I really enjoyed the fact that her character wasn’t just used as a stepping stone in Alex’s coming out story. Kayla had her own issues to deal with and secrets to share when it came to being honest with herself and her best friend.
Together, and with the direction and writing of Emmalie El Fadli, they tell a story that is different from the typical coming out stories that we’re used to having when it comes to LGBTQ characters. In turn, you’re left wanting more of this world, the characters in it, and the creative team that helped weave this story together. And that makes it absolutely worth watching and then some.
From A to Q is currently making rounds at (some digital) film festivals. Learn more HERE.
Queerly Not Straight posts every Tuesday with opinion pieces, listicals, reviews, and more focused on the LGBT community (and occasionally about the Latinx community since I am Latinx.)
