Drag Becomes Him

Drag Becomes Him is a captivating 2015 documentary film which presents an intimate portrayal of the life of Jerick Hoffer, who astounded audiences worldwide with his iconic drag stage persona, Jinkx Monsoon. The film provides a deep insight into the experiences that shape a drag superstar from early days to stardom. Using a playful and intimate style, the director Alex Berry introduces us to the multifaceted personality behind the illustrious character.

The film kicks off by taking audiences on a journey back to the younger days of Jerick Hoffer, a young, passionate artist, and the shaping influences from his upbringing in Portland, Oregon. Always having a flair for the dramatic, Jerick's inclination towards performance art manifested at an early stage. Sharing vintage footage of young Jerick in various school plays, the documentary carefully knits the story of a boy who grew up engrossed in performance arts.

Though at the core, Drag Becomes Him is about a drag queen’s rise to fame, it is equally a tale of self-discovery and transformation. It dissects the complex layers of identity, ambition, and the freedom of expression. Jerick Hoffer's alter ego, Jinkx Monsoon, is not simply an embodiment of drag culture peroformance, but also a reflection of Jerick's most flamboyant and eclectic self. The film explores this duality and the transformation from Jerick to Jinkx, showing how the two identities parallel and sometimes even battle each other.

The documentary goes beyond the glitz, glamour, and humor of drag performance, extending itself to be a portrayal of personal struggle, family relationships, and societal acceptance, while delving into the aesthetically extravagant world of drag. From showcasing the conflicted relationship with his mother to the bond with his supportive brother, the film adeptly handles the interconnected weave of Jerick's personal and professional life.

But it isn't just a peek into Jerick's past. The director effortlessly shifts the lens between past and present, featuring the exuberant life of Jinkx Monsoon post her victory in RuPaul's Drag Race (fifth season). Jinkx Monsoon, with her distinctive persona, wit, and vocal talents, becomes an emblem of success and an emblematic figure of drag culture after her victorious feat, earning applause across borders.

The film also features Benjimen Blair, Jinkx’s creative partner and love interest, serving as a pillar of support in Jinkx's quest and her rise to fame, offering emotional solace. Zan Gibbs, the director of photography, through his masterful capturing of candid moments both on and off-pageant stages, enables the viewers to understand the rigors and joys of being in drag.

This visually alluring and emotionally rich documentary, directed by Alex Berry, touches on deeper issues, including acceptance, gender norms, and societal norms, through the prism of Jerick Hoffer’s life. It does not shy away from examining the darker shades of the performer's life, the struggles of the human behind the star. It presents an unfiltered image of the eccentric world that exists behind the scenes in the world of drag, and majorly the unique transformative journey of one of its brightest stars, Jinkx Monsoon.

Throughout the film, beneath the dramatic makeup and elaborate costumes, the figure of a courageously vulnerable individual seeking acceptance through his artistic expressions shines brightly through. In giving us a peek into the complex world of drag, “Drag Becomes Him” not only makes for a unique viewing experience but also offers a broader commentary on the expression of self in a world that constantly asks individuals to conform.

In conclusion, Drag Becomes Him provides a touching and personal narrative of Jerick’s transformation into Jinkx Monsoon and her subsequent rise to fame. It tells a tale of ambition, self-discovery, and triumph, intricately woven through personal trials and professional successes. This is a must-see for fans of Jinkx Monsoon, those interested in Drag culture, or anyone who enjoys well-crafted, personal documentaries. Through the lens of Jinkx Monsoon, it navigates broader questions of identity, acceptance, and the definition of success, making it a worthy watch.