The Opposite Of Sex

This time our review section is not about a new release, but about a seminal piece of cult queer cinema recommended by us, QX! This may become a regular thing. Or it may not. Who knows! That’s the beauty of journalism. 

 


This week we’ve chosen Don Roos’ dark nineties satire, The Opposite Of Sex. Its description on Netflix is “When a manipulative 16-year-old tart moves in with her gay half-brother and his lover, she soon seduces her way into a gender-bending love triangle.” Pretty much sums it up really, thanks Netflix.

It features Christina Ricci (Wednesday from The Addams Family!) as pouty teenager Deedee who’s sent to live with her gay half-brother Bill after her stepfather dies. She’s fabulously vile throughout the entirety of the movie, snogging, slapping, screaming and sniping through a whirlwind of drama created by her own psychotic manipulations.

She immediately ingratiates herself with Bill’s young hot boyfriend Matt, played by the totes gorge Ivan Sergei, and they’re giggling on sunloungers by the pool in no time. But of course it all goes tits up, almost literally.

OH, and we almost forgot Lisa Kudrow does possibly one of the strongest turns of her career as Bill’s dowdy, downtrodden fag hag. The scenes of her sneaking under windows and scowling into milkshakes in roadside diners are beyond hilarious.

Without giving too much away, this film is not what you think it is. Part of what gained it status as a cult favourite is its insane unpredictably, and Shakespearean comedy-of-errors car crash of impossible situations and dysfunctional friendships. Christina Ricci’s drawling narration of events over the course of the movie has to be heard to be believed. It’s absolutely vicious, and will probably make you spit out your pinot grigio.

SO, give it a watch when you’re next in the mood for a cynical, offbeat but ultimately heartwarming comedy/drama.

 

• The Opposite Of Sex is available on Netflix now. 

Advertisement

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here