The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Set in the early 1990s, "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" is a comedy-drama film that follows the story of three drag queens, Mitzi Del Bravo, Anthony 'Tick' Belrose, and Adam Whitely, also known as 'Adam/Felicia.' Mitzi, played by actor Terence Stamp, is a British drag legend, while Tick, played by Hugo Weaving, is an Australian drag performer. Felicia, also known as 'Adam,' is played by Guy Pearce and is a trans man who is part of the trio. The story begins with the death of Mitzi's partner, Marlon, who leaves them his share of the inheritance. After being denied a share by Marlon's relatives, Mitzi decides to take a trip to his home town of Alice Springs in the Australian desert, where he used to perform as a drag queen in the 1960s. With the help of his friends Tick and Felicia, Mitzi decides to take his share of the inheritance in the form of a disco-era tour of the country, aboard their bus Priscilla. However, the journey is not straightforward. They are met with hostility from some characters, such as a mechanic, played by Bill Hunter, who is initially reluctant to work on Priscilla. The trio also encounter a young Aboriginal girl, who is taken in by Felicia, marking the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Further along their journey, Mitzi, Tick, and Felicia experience strange occurrences and incidents of homophobia while they are on the road. Some people are shocked and disapproving by their presence and their drag performances. They are met with various characters, including the local minister, a conservative character, who disapproves of the trio and their way of life. Throughout their travels, the characters widen their comfort zones and encounter new people and experiences. This exposure brings about a change within the trio, particularly for Felicia/Adam. He becomes more confident in his new life as a trans man, while also coming to terms with a part of his past as a woman. This journey serves as a means of healing and self-discovery for Felicia, who finds acceptance within Tick and Mitzi. During the course of their tour, Mitzi is also drawn to Felicia's story and comes to accept his new life. Tick, while initially protective of his friend, is more open to understanding and accepting the journey they are all on. Together, the trio discovers a newfound sense of themselves and a sense of belonging within each other's company. As the trio approaches Alice Springs, they prepare for their final performance. Along the way, they deal with personal struggles and conflicts, as well as external pressures from those who do not understand or accept their way of life. However, in the end, they find acceptance and belonging through their performances, where people come to watch their energetic and entertaining show. In the film's closing scene, Mitzi takes Felicia to his hometown, where they meet his family and friends for the first time. The film marks a significant moment in Australian history as a representation of the LGBTQ+ community. The movie was praised for its unique portrayal and exploration of these characters and their experiences.