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I did not adjust my expectations to the right setting for this one. The trailers gave clues but in no way prepared me for the fun yet openly sexual ride that is Drive-Away Dolls. The film embraces its rom-com cliche moments while remaining an enjoyably over-the-top queer love story.
Co-writers Ethan Cohen and Tricia Cooke have brought together a great cast with an ode to queer history and the lesbian bars of old. Buckle up because Drive-Away Dolls, or Drive-Away Dykes as it is referred to at the end, will have you laughing often, confused sometimes, and entertained always.
Focus Features’ new film is about love, adventure, friendship, murder, intrigue, and community. The film follows Jamie (Margaret Qualley), a free spirit deflated by her breakup with her girlfriend Sukie (Beanie Feldstein), and her stick-to-the-basics best friend Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan), a no-nonsense type who hasn’t been so lucky in love. In search of a much needed respite, the two set out on a road trip to Tallahassee, Florida, to visit Marian’s aunt. Things go off the rails when they become mixed up with a group of criminals during a classic car mix-up that results in stolen “goods.”
The film boasts a diverse cast in age, background, and acting prowess. Fans will enjoy the brief moments with Pedro Pascal and recent Oscar nominee Colman Domingo. They will laugh at the random addition of Matt Damon and Miley Cyrus and learn to care about what happens to Curlie, played by Bill Camp. Feldstein, who I haven’t seen since Booksmart, is a welcomed addition to the film with her comedic timing and brass balls approach to her cop character.
Qualley and Viswanathan are, of course, the stars of the film. They are complete opposites but the best of friends, which is so fun to watch. Qualley adopts a rich Western/Elvis accent, which hints at her natural Montanan accent. It works well against the no-frills, almost monotone language Viswanathan uses in the film. Overall, it looks like the entire cast had fun with these characters and the story.
It’s ridiculous to call this film a period piece, but it does take place in 1999, which seems like a lifetime ago. But, the ’90s vibes add heavily to the playfulness of the film from the clothing to the music to the popularity of basement parties. There were moments and references in Drive-Away Dolls that were new to me. Some came to my attention during the film and some after, during the Q&A with Cohen and Cooke. It was revealed this film was born from the imaginings of Tricia and her best friend. It was written in the early 2000s, but didn’t truly get off the ground until 2022 when re-writes and filming took place.
The team views the film as a lighter coming out story, full of queer history with names like Cynthia Plaster Caster, Bella Abzug, and Alice B. Toklas are standout references. Some of these references didn’t make sense until the end, as a kind of ta-da moment, which wasn’t the best in terms of editing. Although, this film is set in 1999, it could easily be today with the way Gen Z is bringing back the ’90s trends.
Notable themes in the film stem from the “girls road trip” plot. The journey from point A to point Z, has all the cliche stopping points B, C, D, etc, in diners, motels, and small towns. A few stops on the trip included lesbian bars. Jamie and Marian find several along their journey. The film is a love letter to the lesbian bar scene. Lesbian bars have diminished in numbers over the years, with only 23 remaining in the US (fun fact). The film highlights those spaces as a place of community and a place to feel safe.
What does a road trip film also have? Sex. Drive-Away Dolls is a very sex positive film. There are sex scenes, not a lot, but they are in there. Unlike a lot of “young adults figuring it out” films, the sex scenes are modest and not too graphic in terms of nudity. The film is playful, and yes, suggestive, but doesn’t take away from the plot of the story. In the more popular films I can recall about girls’ trip movies, none of them are from a queer perspective. Drive-Away Dolls is a romantic and raunchy take, but still speaks to the power of female friendship.
Drive-Away Dolls is a fun and entertaining film that focuses on the good stuff amid the chaos. Love, death, comfort, fear, sex, literature, fights… it’s all in there. I read an article recently where the writer said she had “the most jarring viewing experiences” with watching Red, White & Royal Blue followed by Bottoms soon after. I had a similar experience in one sitting watching this film. There are so many wholesome and romantic moments followed by raunchy comedy tropes, violence, and funky camera movements. What a watch!
Drive-Away Dolls is in theaters February 23, 2024.
I did not adjust my expectations to the right setting for this one. The trailers gave clues but in no way prepared me for the fun yet openly sexual ride that is Drive-Away Dolls. The film embraces its rom-com cliche moments while remaining an enjoyably over-the-top queer love story.
Co-writers Ethan Cohen and Tricia Cooke have brought together a great cast with an ode to queer history and the lesbian bars of old. Buckle up because Drive-Away Dolls, or Drive-Away Dykes as it is referred to at the end, will have you laughing often, confused sometimes, and entertained always.
Focus Features’ new film is about love, adventure, friendship, murder, intrigue, and community. The film follows Jamie (Margaret Qualley), a free spirit deflated by her breakup with her girlfriend Sukie (Beanie Feldstein), and her stick-to-the-basics best friend Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan), a no-nonsense type who hasn’t been so lucky in love. In search of a much needed respite, the two set out on a road trip to Tallahassee, Florida, to visit Marian’s aunt. Things go off the rails when they become mixed up with a group of criminals during a classic car mix-up that results in stolen “goods.”
The film boasts a diverse cast in age, background, and acting prowess. Fans will enjoy the brief moments with Pedro Pascal and recent Oscar nominee Colman Domingo. They will laugh at the random addition of Matt Damon and Miley Cyrus and learn to care about what happens to Curlie, played by Bill Camp. Feldstein, who I haven’t seen since Booksmart, is a welcomed addition to the film with her comedic timing and brass balls approach to her cop character.
Qualley and Viswanathan are, of course, the stars of the film. They are complete opposites but the best of friends, which is so fun to watch. Qualley adopts a rich Western/Elvis accent, which hints at her natural Montanan accent. It works well against the no-frills, almost monotone language Viswanathan uses in the film. Overall, it looks like the entire cast had fun with these characters and the story.
It’s ridiculous to call this film a period piece, but it does take place in 1999, which seems like a lifetime ago. But, the ’90s vibes add heavily to the playfulness of the film from the clothing to the music to the popularity of basement parties. There were moments and references in Drive-Away Dolls that were new to me. Some came to my attention during the film and some after, during the Q&A with Cohen and Cooke. It was revealed this film was born from the imaginings of Tricia and her best friend. It was written in the early 2000s, but didn’t truly get off the ground until 2022 when re-writes and filming took place.
The team views the film as a lighter coming out story, full of queer history with names like Cynthia Plaster Caster, Bella Abzug, and Alice B. Toklas are standout references. Some of these references didn’t make sense until the end, as a kind of ta-da moment, which wasn’t the best in terms of editing. Although, this film is set in 1999, it could easily be today with the way Gen Z is bringing back the ’90s trends.
Notable themes in the film stem from the “girls road trip” plot. The journey from point A to point Z, has all the cliche stopping points B, C, D, etc, in diners, motels, and small towns. A few stops on the trip included lesbian bars. Jamie and Marian find several along their journey. The film is a love letter to the lesbian bar scene. Lesbian bars have diminished in numbers over the years, with only 23 remaining in the US (fun fact). The film highlights those spaces as a place of community and a place to feel safe.
What does a road trip film also have? Sex. Drive-Away Dolls is a very sex positive film. There are sex scenes, not a lot, but they are in there. Unlike a lot of “young adults figuring it out” films, the sex scenes are modest and not too graphic in terms of nudity. The film is playful, and yes, suggestive, but doesn’t take away from the plot of the story. In the more popular films I can recall about girls’ trip movies, none of them are from a queer perspective. Drive-Away Dolls is a romantic and raunchy take, but still speaks to the power of female friendship.
Drive-Away Dolls is a fun and entertaining film that focuses on the good stuff amid the chaos. Love, death, comfort, fear, sex, literature, fights… it’s all in there. I read an article recently where the writer said she had “the most jarring viewing experiences” with watching Red, White & Royal Blue followed by Bottoms soon after. I had a similar experience in one sitting watching this film. There are so many wholesome and romantic moments followed by raunchy comedy tropes, violence, and funky camera movements. What a watch!
Drive-Away Dolls is in theaters February 23, 2024.
By Shelby Stewart ·Updated February 21, 2024
Martha’s Vineyard, with its picturesque landscapes and sun-drenched vineyards, becomes the stage for a summer full of secrets, drama, and unexpected twists for a group of friends. Bravo’s hit reality series Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard is heading back to our television series this March, with fun in the sun, with even more drama. With the same schtick as last season, ten young Black professionals and entrepreneurs are headed to Martha’s Vineyard, to bask in the beauty of the exclusive enclave and escape the woes of their daily lives and careers.
Returning to the summertime sanctuary are most of last season’s stars, including Nicholas “Nick” Arrington, Jasmine Ellis Cooper, Jordan Emanuel, Bria Fleming, Shanice Henderson, Amir Lancaster, Preston Mitchum, Summer Marie Thomas and Alex Tyree. They are all joined by a new friend and castmate, Noelle Hughley.
As the sun sets over Martha’s Vineyard, each member of this eclectic group grapples with their own secrets, desires, and challenges, setting the stage for a summer that none of them will ever forget.
Since last season’s end season two will come with answers to some of the questions left on a cliffhanger – the state of some friendships is called into question, while others are in full bloom. Just as a sneak peek as to what’s to come this season, Jasmine arrives with a heavy heart and is determined to make this Vineyard vacation her “hot girl summer.” The absence of her partner Silas, serving overseas in the U.S. military, amplifies the challenge. The growing distance between her and the group, especially her sister-cousin Jordan, casts a shadow over her plans. Her bestie and DJ, Jordan on the other hand, amidst a bustling career and health battles, looks forward to a carefree summer with friends. However, the unspoken tension with former bestie Jasmine adds an awkward layer to the group’s energy this season, complicating her plans for a stress-free vacation.
Amir, the hardworking realtor, is back for his second Vineyard getaway, this time happily committed to Natalie. As the group grapples with reservations about Natalie, blaming her for stirring drama, Amir finds himself torn between loyalty to his friends and his newfound love.
Preston, having recently launched his consulting company and dealing with the loss of his estranged father, is determined to make this vacation memorable. Supported by his “wife” Jordan and friends Shanice and Summer, he faces challenges in his on-and-off relationship with Bria.
Bria, the luxury-loving entrepreneur in a long-distance relationship, strives to stay out of drama. But when tensions rise among the housemates’ significant others, Bria finds herself drawn into the chaos, testing her resolution.
Creative Alex, a magnet for attention, becomes entangled in a love triangle with a new housemate, Noelle, putting his friendships on the line. With chaos looming, he must navigate the Vineyard with his boys while keeping the peace.
Shanice, the life of the party, looks forward to turning up with her girls but faces a different side of herself when a scandal involving her ex resurfaces. Her carefree demeanor is put to the test as she grapples with unexpected challenges.
Nick, the Southern gentleman, is determined to enjoy the Vineyard, but questions arise about his loyalty and affectionate nature with the ladies. As he races in a 5K, he finds himself fighting to defend his reputation and maintain his relationship with girlfriend Tasia.
Summer, dealing with personal turmoil, hopes the Vineyard getaway will bring solace. However, her flirtation with Alex complicates matters, creating a murky situation that adds a layer of uncertainty to the summer.
Newcomer Noelle, the bubbly Atlanta peach, joins the group with the Meow Girls. Single and ready to mingle, she is drawn to Alex but only time will tell how their relationship will go.
Will this season be fun under the sun? We’ll find out in March. Watch the trailer below.
Bravo’s ‘Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard’ will debut March 24.
TOPICS: bravo Summer House: Martha’s VineyardThe post Exclusive: ‘Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard’ Returns appeared first on Essence.
Downtown Fayetteville in Cumberland County, North Carolina By Rayna Reid Rayford ·Updated February 20, 2024
The Hodges are one of the first Black families to own land in Cumberland County, NC, and they want people to stop illegally dumping in their family cemetery, “where both veterans and Black people born during slavery are buried,” ABC11 reports.
The Hodges family acquired this land in the early 1900s, and has been using this site to bury their family members since the 1910s.
Ken Slankard’s wife is one of the Hodges, and he is heartbroken over the trespassing and disrespect occurring on the family’s sacred burial grounds.
“Illegal dumping and littering throughout is causing problems because the trash ends up in the fields, the trash ends up in the cemetery,” said Slankard.
Cheri Leach, another member of the Hodges family said, “They can take whatever trash they want, dump it back there, and no one will see them.” She said that some of the dumpers may have been unaware about the graveyard, but “[s]ome people don’t care that there’s a graveyard there…It’s disgusting.”
This is emblematic of a larger environmental justice issue. As one geographic journal article posits, “[a]ctivists and scholars often describe environmental racism as an immoral and illegal dumping of toxic waste into poor, Black, and people of colour communities.”
The City of Houston recently reached an agreement with the Department of Justice over the city’s “response to illegal dumping in Black and Latino neighborhoods.”
The Hodges family believes people are choosing to dump on the graveyard “to avoid paying at the county dump” and want “Cumberland County to stop people from illegally dumping and to invest in more sanitation sites.”
“The county commissioners are more engaged with what’s going on in Fayetteville instead of taking care of the entire county,” continued Slankard, who brought this issue in front of a county commissioners meeting earlier this month. “They need to refocus on what’s important and that is your constituents.”
In addition, the Hodges family is attempting to have their family gravesite become “historically recognized.”
TOPICS: black family environmental justice North CarolinaThe post A Black Family In North Carolina Wants People To Stop Illegally Dumping In Their Family Cemetery appeared first on Essence.