The horror style has been thriving for years now, and is exhibiting no indicators of slowing down. Followers have been handled to sequels from long-running franchises, however a number of the finest horror films in latest reminiscence the place wholly unique ideas. Christopher Landon’s new film, Drop, is within the latter class, and was one in every of my most extremely anticipated upcoming horror films of the yr. I completely cherished seeing it in theaters, and I want to speak concerning the film’s inherent queerness.
CinemaBlend’s Drop assessment praised the film’s thrills and distinctive idea, largely because of the work of Landon. He is a style favourite because of his work on the Comfortable Dying Day franchise, and as soon as once more delivered with this new launch. And as a queer fan of the style, I could not assist however be tickled by varied refined and not-so-subtle ways in which the LGBTQ+ neighborhood is represented.
Maybe the obvious is the really pleasant efficiency from actor, author, comic and total homosexual icon Jeffery Self. He steals the present as Matt the waiter, and by no means fails to make me snort in each single second he had on display. The casting was really impressed, as was his borderline unhinged tackle the high-end server.
Throughout Drop‘s brisk 95-minute runtime, I discovered myself noticing how lots of the film’s background actors have been queer. For the reason that majority of the film is ready in a restaurant the place protagonist Violet is having a date, there are different diners within the background of most pictures. Relatively than mixing in, quite a lot of the extras stood out because of their fabulous outfits and make-up, another excuse why I felt just like the horror flick was winking at me as an LBGTQ+ horror fan.
My consideration was additionally piqued when “Moon River” could possibly be heard as Violet was coming into the restaurant. This monitor is a part of the American Songbook, however was additionally prominently featured in Angels in America, each on stage and within the HBO miniseries (which is streaming with a Max subscription). Perhaps that is a distinct segment reference, but it surely contributed to the film feeling prefer it was particularly that includes LGBTQ+ references.
There’s additionally a debate available that Violet’s sister, Jen, is queer-coded, however that is neither right here nor there. So whereas Drop shouldn’t be explicitly a queer horror film (and it does focus on a straight couple), these decisions really feel purposeful. And so they actually added to the enjoyment I felt watching the thriller of the brand new horror flick play out.
Drop director Christopher Landon is an out homosexual man, which is another excuse that I occurred to attach the dots of the film’s refined queerness as I watched it. I can solely assume {that a} shared style and sensibility is what moved me on this manner; most straight moviegoers probably did not discover objects on this listing (moreover Self completely slaying his function).
After watching the brand new film, I could not assist however marvel what the director would have executed with Scream VII if these plans got here to fruition. Landon not too long ago spoke about what it was like departing Scream, and discovering a silver lining in bringing this new movie to life.
Drop is in theaters now as a part of the 2025 film launch listing. And, I personally cannot wait to see what Christopher Landon brings to the horror style subsequent.