What critics are saying about Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: ‘A feel-good tonic in tough times’

The film adaption of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is being released very soon and we can’t wait.

Ahead of its release on 17 September on Prime Video the film received an early screening at Outfest in the US.

Following its premiere at the film festival, the first reviews of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie are in – and they’re glowing.

It’s described as “a positive transfiguration from stage to screen” by The Wrap and “a feel-good tonic in tough times” by Deadline.

While The Hollywood Reporter says it differs from other LGBT+ coming-of-age stories because “coming out isn’t a factor”.

“Jamie has been out and proud for some time, and he responds to the taunts of obnoxious class smart ass at school by basically saying, ‘Yeah, I’m gay, what of it?’,” they add.

Despite all the glitz and the glam of the film, it also has its tender moments thanks to characters including Jamie’s mum, Margaret and local veteran drag queen, Miss Loco Chanelle.

In Screen Daily’s review they say a scene with Richard E. Grant’s Loco Chanelle is “bittersweet” as it “reflects on how much more fraught a proposition being gay was in his younger years – in large part because of the AIDS crisis”.

They add that it reminds “LGBTQ youth that, no matter the clear difficulties they face in modern times, it can’t compare to the trauma and ridicule experienced by past generations”.

Max Harwood is a breakout star

There’s also been plenty of praise for breakout star Max Harwood, who plays the film’s lead, Jamie in his first ever acting role.

The Wrap say he gives “a lesson on how to become a star in a single try” as he “makes it impossible not to smile at the character’s infectious ebullience”.

While another reviewer for Deadline says he is “thoroughly engaging, confident in his singing and fledging showmanship”.

They also make a point which proves why LGBT+ actors should play LGBT+ roles, adding that Harwood is “clearly understanding the core of this kid”.

The story – if you didn’t know already – follows Jamie who has to deal with an unsupportive father, an uninspired teacher and ignorant classmates as he gets ready for his debut stage performance.

But with support from his best friend Pritti, his loving mum and local drag legend Miss Loco Chanelle they inspire one another to overcome prejudice and step into the spotlight.

It’s based on the smash-hit stage musical of the same name, which in turn is based on the 2011 television documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16 directed by Jenny Popplewell.

The musical recently returned to West End’s Apollo Theatre and will make its US stage debut in Los Angeles in 2022, starring Bianca Del Rio and Layton Williams.

You can find out how to stream the upcoming film adaption below.

How to stream Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

The film will be available worldwide on Prime Video from 17 September. Viewers can sign up for a free 30-day trial and then pay £7.99 per month or £79.99 per year.

To find out more and to sign up and stream Everybody’s Talking About Jamie go to amazon.com.

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