SOLO is the story of Simon (Théodore Pellerin) – a Montreal drag queen with a loving family supporting him by way of his father and sister (the latter a talented cosutme designer). His drag family grows one evening when Olivier joins the troupe (Félix Maritaud).

Olivier is instantly smitten, and sparks immediately fly – sexually and creatively.

While so much seems to be going well, news arrives that Simon’s mother – an opera star – is in town and wishes to see him after a prolonged absence. While Simon is eagre to reconnect, there is something about being in the presence of such immense talent that sets him off balance.

When one pulls on just the right thread, it doesn’t take long for all the eleganza to come unravelled.

SOLO understands that painting a complete portrait of a drag queen isn’t just about Saturday night, but also about Sunday morning. At the core of every queen is vulnerability, hope, and tenderness – all of it stemming from a desire to be seen. Since drag is a form of armour, most of us only see these daring artists with their shields up. This film though, lowers the guard and allows us a glimpse at who Simon truly is…and what he is seeking.

It’s a generous act, and one that might even inspire some to lower their own shield now and then.

RuPaul once said that we are born naked and everything else is drag. Whether we face the world in a suit and a rolex or sequins and heels, the point is that we are putting forward the version of ourselves we want the world to see.

This is Simon’s great insecurity, and what finds him closing people off. It’s the fear that Olivier, his mother, his sister, the audience, or so many more may not truly see him. His blood family, his drag family, his collaborators, his audience – all might stop paying attention and he may have to walk the world’s runway solo. It’s a terrifying thought.

Mercifully, SOLO is here to reassure us that even at our most anxious moments – when the audience isn’t paying attention and our affections go unrequited – even then, someone sees us. Whatever the category, whatever the read, someone somewhere can and will see us as we are…and will even love what they see.