Hush Up Sweet Charlotte

Hush Up Sweet Charlotte is an intriguing success among the cult horror-comedy genre. A 2015 production from veteran director Billy Clift, a big admirer of classic Hollywood cinema, the movie is a colorful and outrageous parody of the 1964 classic Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte. This movie takes a different slant on the genre, with elements of comedic satire and parody infused in a thrilling, dark storyline that unfolds in a stately southern mansion.

This eccentric movie admirably casts Mink Stole, an iconic muse of legendary filmmaker John Waters in the leading role, she steps in the shoes of Miss Charlotte Holler, a wealthy but troubled southern belle. Stole's marvelous portrayal borrows from her vast experience in cult cinema, injecting a fresh sense of absurdity and tingling suspense to this character with a declining mental state, trapped in her decaying ancestral home.

In an unexpected twist, the renowned drag queen, Sutan Amrull (aka Raja), winner of the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race, plays the role of Velma Cruther, the eccentric and overbearing housekeeper. With an exquisite performance that encompasses pathos, spite, and humor, Sutan Amrull offers a whole new perspective on this character and is simply a delight to watch.

Another stellar addition to the cast is David Millbern, an experienced actor who is known for his versatility on screen. Millbern plays the dual role of Dr. Drew Bayliss and Paul Marchand, the charming lovers of Charlotte and her cousin Miriam. His facility to switch between the passionate lover and the trustworthy doctor, yet maintain an air of mystery, significantly steals the show in several scenes.

Overflowing with refreshing humor and suspense, Hush Up Sweet Charlotte works on multiple levels. The spine-chilling events happening in the grand Southern mansion are cleverly complimented with laugh-out-loud scenes that challenge typical horror tropes. This amalgamation of horror and comedy serves as a tribute to the 1964 masterpiece while also being a fun, extravagant, and unique piece in its own right.

Billy Clift's direction is commendable- he presents the storyline in a strikingly vintage manner, highlighting the suggestive camera angles, detailed set designs, excellent costumes, and tuneful musical score. The direction, production, and various elements seem to reminisce about the black & white horror era that Clift seems to be a fan of.

The screenplay penned by Clift and Tony Vardon is equally captivating. It weaves together a compelling plot, packed with thrilling twists and turns, unpredictable revelations, cleverly-crafted comic moments, and flamboyantly eccentric characters that lead the audience on an extravagant and engaging journey.

The cinematography beautifully captures the eerie ambiance of the grand yet decaying mansion in the backdrop of a haunting, seemingly desolated countryside. This contributes to creating an atmospheric setting that takes viewers back in time, evoking a feel of classical horror cinema while serving the humour-infused narrative wonderfully.

Lastly, the film's surprising musical element cannot be overlooked. The film features several original songs composed by Michael Reno that enhance the vintage cinema vibe and ultimately set the tone for this eccentric horror-comedy.

In summary, Hush Up Sweet Charlotte is an impressive mix of horror, comedy, and satire that offers an unexpected but entertaining ride. It successfully combines eccentric performances, a compelling storyline, and visual appeal to create an engaging cinematic experience. This film persistently maintains its distinct flavor of wit, flamboyancy, drama, and suspense throughout its run, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys cult cinema, drag extravagance and old Hollywood recreations with a modern and humorous twist.