Alliance Film French Festival 2021| Miss

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https://www.affrenchfilmfestival.org/

Date Reviewed: 03/03/2021

“What do I want? I want to be someone!”. A tall order for a boy who wants to become Miss France when he grows up. This is the premise for Miss, an extraordinary film starring androgynous model Alexandre Wetter and directed by Ruben Alves.

This is Wetter’s first foray into film acting and he absolutely embodies Alex, a man who wants to explore his femininity.

It would be easy to dismiss this film as just another film about drag, but it is far from that. It is an exploration into gender identity, prejudice, relationships and above all, courage!

Ever since childhood Alex (Wetter) has wanted to become Miss France, despite being a boy. However, adolescence has been turbulent and Alex’s self esteem has suffered many setbacks. An unexpected meeting allows Alex to once more pursue his dreams. The road is not easy and there are many setbacks as ‘Alexandre’ learns that being feminine does not means more than putting on a dress and makeup.

Wetter’s performance is amazing, especially considering his inexperience in the field of acting. His performance is nuanced, deeply emotional and totally believable. In  fact, he looks more ‘feminine’ than his fellow competitors!

The cast also includes Pascale Arbillot, Thibault De Montalembert, Stefi Celma and Isabelle Nanty; all equally strong performances. The standout performance of the film (apart from Wetter) is De Montalembert’s portrayal of the drag prostitute Lola. The flamboyance of the character is skilfully balanced by the underlying tenderness and compassion. The scene when Alexandre thanks him publicly during the judging of Miss Isle de France is unforgettable.

Isabelle Nanty’s portrayal of Alexandre’s landlady/surrogate mother is also a wonderfully complex character. She is the catalyst that gives Alexandre the courage to go on when the obstacles seem insurmountable.

Does he/she become Miss France? That would be giving away the climax of the film, but I will say that Alex/Alexandre emerges a complete person socially and emotionally.

This film is advertised as a ‘feel good’ film in the same genre as Billy Elliott and it is, but it also touches a raw nerve for most of us who try to be what we think others expect of us.

Written by Barry Hill