Hurricane Bianca

Hurricane Bianca (2016), directed by Matt Kugelman, is a breakthrough indie comedy that conveys a powerful message about embracing diversity, overcoming adversity, and celebrating individuality. It boasts a memorable lead performance by Roy Haylock, better known by his stage name Bianca Del Rio, the champion of the sixth season of "RuPaul's Drag Race".

The film places its lead character, Richard Martinez (Roy Haylock) - a flamboyantly gay New York City school teacher, in the thick of societal prejudice and discrimination. Richard's dreams of teaching at a small-town Texas school quickly dissipate after he faces hostility from the ultra-conservative folks who run the town. The plot thickens when Richard is unjustly fired from his job due to his sexual orientation, propelling him into a whirlwind of events that lead him to craft a sassy and flamboyant alter ego, Bianca Del Rio.

Bianca, unlike Richard, is a confident, charismatic, and audacious figure who is unafraid to challenge societal norms head-on. She returns to the same school where Richard was fired, this time as 'Bianca', a tough woman who takes no lit from anyone. In an all-out effort to expose the hypocrisy and corruption that led to Richard's termination, Bianca stirs up a storm (thus the name Hurricane Bianca), attracting a myriad of amusing reactions from the town's conservative residents.

Roy Haylock's role as Richard/Bianca is truly the heart and soul of the film. Leveraging his years of experience as a drag artist, Haylock's portrayal of Bianca is a masterful blend of raw emotion, sharp wit, and powerful defiance. He easily transitions from the meek Richard to the ferocious Bianca, evoking amusement, sympathy, and awe. You can't help but root for him every step of the way as he confronts prejudice, injustice, and the town's rampant homophobia.

Hurricane Bianca also features stellar performances from Lola Botha and Grayson Thorne Kilpatrick, who portray Debbie Ward and Carly Ward, respectively. Botha delivers an impressive performance as the villainous school board president while young Kilpatrick, who portrays Carly, her son, delivers a heartwarming performance as a struggling student who forms an unexpected bond with Bianca.

Repeatedly, the movie underscores the theme of self-acceptance. Kugelman skillfully balances the movie's serious societal themes with a healthy dose of hilarity. Witty dialogues, ingenious reaction shots, and slapstick-style scenarios give the movie its comedic edge. Despite the humor though, the film never loses sight of the poignant message it seeks to convey - that everyone, regardless of their sexuality, deserves respect and acceptance.

Along with the excellent cast, Hurricane Bianca benefits from Kugelman's assured direction and canny script, continuously zigzagging between hilarity and pathos. It also cleverly references the modern history of the LGBTQ+ movement, contextualizing Richard/Bianca's struggle within a broader political landscape. Additionally, the costume designs for Bianca are flamboyant and expressive, truly embodying the spirit of drag and capturing her unapologetic boldness.

Hurricane Bianca is a must-watch movie for fans of Roy Haylock and lovers of indie cinema. It harnesses the power of comedy to highlight important social issues. By the end, you will find yourself championing Bianca as she takes on the narrow-minded bigotry of rigid societal norms.

While Hurricane Bianca is a comedy, its message about embracing diversity and championing individuality is genuine and heartfelt. The movie makes it abundantly clear that no one should experience discrimination based on their sexual orientation. Haylock's dynamic and engaging performance as the eccentric Bianca will have you laughing, crying, and cheering in equal measure. This film is not just a comedy but a testament to the power of resilience and individuality.

Hurricane Bianca is a blast of fresh air amid the sea of stereotypical comedy movies. Its powerful societal message, executed through sharp wit and humor, proves that legends in the drag community, like Bianca Del Rio, can break the barriers of the mainstream film industry. As a viewer, you're in for a vibrant, entertaining, and, above all, a heartfelt journey.