On a balmy Brisbane evening She Society were lucky enough to be invited to Opening Night of the Brisbane International Film Festival. The event was at The Powerhouse and our dress code was rhinestones. There was plenty of glitter and sequins on show as guests walked the red carpet. Here we mingled with celebrity impersonators and lookalikes. Was that Elton John in the corner? Elvis shaking his hips? Marilyn recreating the famous grate scene? It was such fun and we all enjoyed sipping on refreshing cans of mYmosa or Ink Gin before entering the theatre and receiving complimentary popcorn to go with a special screening of new Australian film, Seriously Red.
The Film
This film starred and was written by super Dolly Parton fan, Krew Boylan and was directed by Gracie Otto. Seriously Red is a seriously good film which was enjoyed by both my husband and myself. It’s a fun and funny romantic comedy about taking chances, following your dreams and channelling your inner Dolly Parton.
In this rowdy and rambunctious musical dramedy, Red (Krew Boylan) is at a crossroads in her life. This vivacious and rambunctious redhead is not as confident as she seems and as she grapples with her high expectations and low self esteem, she pours herself a cup of ambition and trades her 9 to 5 life as a real estate agent for life in the spotlight as a Dolly Parton impersonator.
Along the way she romances a Kenny Rogers impersonator, tests the patience of her best friend and sets about creating a new persona. But as Dolly Parton always says, “Be yourself because, everyone else is taken.”
The Stars
Boasting a stellar cast, Seriously Red , stars Krew Boylan (A Place To Call Home,) as Red who is charmingly lovable, quirky and funnily weird. Her journey is one of self discovery peppered with relatable ‘Dollyisms’. As the writer of this story she knows her character inside out and she makes us care about Red’s fate.
Fan favourites Jean Kittson as Red’s Mum and Celeste Barber as a talent scout will make you smile. Bobby Cannavale looks to be having a ball playing a washed up Neil Diamond impersonator who provides Red with some words of wisdom.
I enjoyed watching Daniel Webber’s portrayal of love interest Kenny, a Kenny Rogers lookalike, who refuses to break character and the endearing role of Francis, Red’s best mate, played with empathy by Thomas Campbell (Love My Way). Rose Byrne also stars in a surprising role.
On the night Mitch Lewis introduced us to the stars, who gave us an insight into their roles and the journey to production. I always love these meet and greets and I’m sure the cast were buoyed by the energetic reactions of the audience to this new film.
This was a fun jaunt for a night out and a film that reminds us to embrace ourselves, flaws and all. Diehard Dolly fans like me will love it and want to sing along. It gives us a glimpse into the interesting world of celebrity impersonators and harks back to beloved Australian comedies like Muriel’s Wedding. I found it a warm, engaging and ultimately comforting film, which made me laugh out loud. Do stay for the credits.
The Brisbane International Film Festival is on from 27 October to 6 November and boasts a great line up of local and international films, many of which are premieres. I like the look of Armageddon Time starring Anne Hathaway and Anthony Hopkins and She Said which tells the story of the New York Times reporters who first broke the stories that began the #Metoo movement. Black comedy and winner of Cannes Palme D’or, Triangle of Sadness, is playing, as well as the moving Australian documentary detailing the life of Audrey Napanangka.
There is truly something for every film lover in the terrific 2022 program. Stay cool this season with a veritable smorgasbord of films to delight and entertain. Have some fun at the cinema and as Dolly says, “ Don’t get too busy making a living that you forgot to make a life.”
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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