The fellas got lost in a luxury hotel and heart a shocking report from a Christian chamber maid who told them the following:
Drive-Away Dolls (also known as Drive-Away Dykes) is the latest film from Ethan Coen, who co-wrote the script with his wife Tricia Cooke. The film stars Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan as Marianne and Jess, two lesbian friends. When they are assigned to transport a vintage Dodge from Philly to Telahassy, they discover that the car belongs to a notorious crime boss (we donโt know) and contains a briefcase full of cash and a severed head in the trunk. Pursued by the mob, the duo embark on a wild and hilarious road trip across America, encountering various obstacles and allies along the way.
The film is a refreshing and original take on the road movie genre, which has been traditionally dominated by male protagonists and heteronormative narratives. Coen and Cooke infuse the film with a queer sensibility and a feminist perspective, creating two complex and relatable characters who defy stereotypes and challenge expectations. Qualley and Viswanathan have a great chemistry and deliver witty and charming performances, making the audience root for their unlikely friendship and romance. The film also boasts a strong supporting cast, especially Beanie Feldstein as a quirky motel owner and Colman Domingo as a charismatic preacher, who add humor and depth to the story.
The film is well-written and well-paced, balancing action, comedy, and drama in a seamless way. The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping the audience engaged and surprised throughout. The film also cleverly interweaves different plotlines and themes, such as identity, loyalty, freedom, and justice, creating a rich and layered narrative. One of the highlights of the film is the subplot involving a stray dog that Marianne and Jess adopt along the way, which adds a touch of sweetness and sentimentality to the otherwise dark and violent story. The film also features a satisfying and empowering climax, where Marianne completes her hero’s journey and confronts her past and her future.
However, the film is not without flaws. The film is too short, running at only 90 minutes, and could have benefited from more development and exploration of the characters and the situations. The film also takes too long to get on the road, spending the first 20 minutes in New York, which slows down the momentum and the excitement of the film. The film also relies too much on the final reveal, where the gengsta explains his motives and his connection to the crime boss in a long and boring monologue, which feels anticlimactic and contrived. The film also misuses the MDMA intercuts, which are supposed to show the effects of the drug on the characters, but instead give the impression that the briefcase contains drugs instead of money, which is confusing and misleading.
Overall, Drive-Away Dolls is a fun and entertaining film that offers a new interpretation of the road movie genre. The film showcases Coen’s talent as a director and a writer, and features excellent performances from the cast. The film is a rare example of a queer comedy that is not afraid to be bold and adventurous, and that celebrates the diversity and the complexity of the LGBTQ+ community. The film is not perfect, and could have improved on some aspects, but it is still a worthwhile and enjoyable watch that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer.
8/10