‘Midnight in Phoenix‘ is a feature-length film that tells the story of Levi, a genuine and fearless drag performer, and Ezra, a mysterious, introverted admirer of Levi, who asks Levi on a date after attending one of his shows. The night goes as usual – Levi is practically bored and admits it. However, Ezra is gentle and kind – he knows that he needs to be patient with Levi, who, in his opinion, is an exquisite individual. Ezra even agrees to drive Levi home, but this is where the night takes the most unexpected turn. Stopping at a gas station, the couple witnesses a robbery. After the perpetrator shoots the cashier, he confronts Levi and Ezra. Not thinking twice and choosing to protect himself and his new significant other, Ezra takes the perpetrator’s gun and shoots him in self-defence. Now they’re on the run. As every law enforcement officer is on the lookout for them, Levi and Ezra are on the run, though they encounter numerous obstacles and challenges. On their odyssey, they form an unbreakable bond. Amidst all the chaos, anxiety and suffering, they reinvent themselves, fall in love, heal their core wounds and gather the strength to go against all the odds.
Dueal Andrews and Richardson Pierre are in the leading roles, and it doesn’t take long to realise that their performances will resonate with the audience long after they experience ‘Midnight in Phoenix’. This is also the result of the director’s hard work. Even from the screen, we can sense that Anthony Bawn has created excellent chemistry on the set. The protagonists are in cohesion with one another – something is going on at any given moment, especially in those silent sequences that let them contemplate. The unspoken words and suppressed feelings fill the air for the first half. Once the midpoint arrives and the stakes rise, the protagonists finally let themselves become vulnerable and exposed. By the end of the film, we meet two completely transformed people, which is one of the main pieces of evidence that the storyline has achieved its goal.
The poetic voice-overs, the melancholia of the vibrant desert shots juxtaposed against the bloody sunsets, the protagonists’ secret pact, and their promises and dreams of being together again leave us wanting more. The dedicated audience would laugh and cry alongside the bloopers in the post-credit scenes, knowing that the time is up and they must exit this world that the filmmakers have created most passionately.
‘Midnight in Phoenix’ explores a plethora of themes, meanings and purposes. At the same time, the film elevates the genre elements and adds a whole new meaning to the lovers-on-the-run subgenre. The queer perspective is profound – the filmmakers aim to send messages that will genuinely make the world a better place. Even viewers who haven’t thought of these subjects or haven’t experienced the same issues as the protagonists would come out of the theatres as changed people, suddenly realising that a whole new world is ready to welcome them. Besides the exciting premise and complex protagonists, it’s worth noting that the colour adds production value. The same is true for the balance between interiors, exteriors, and day and night. The film opens with beautiful landscapes, i.e., drone shots that draw a map of the city, making Phoenix feel like an independent character. Once the protagonists are on the run, the images become more intimate.
The interiors take the spotlight – they are wrapped in neon lighting, the same one that made the protagonists feel safe and comfortable outside. Once the journey reaches the point of no return, the colours distance themselves from the main palette, only to make a comeback once we see the two protagonists together. In other words, the experience and craftsmanship of Anthony Bawn are seen in these creative choices – the colours are not accidental, but they always correspond to the protagonists’ internal turmoil. The same is true for the music. The soundtrack complements the images and serves as a storytelling device in some places, given that Levi is a famous drag performer. The choreography contributes to the dynamic rhythm and pacing, while the dramatic pauses arrive just in time to give the viewers time to breathe and prepare for what comes next.
On the other hand, some creative decisions, such as the opening sequence, might’ve worked more effectively if inserted in dialogue or approached differently. ‘Midnight in Phoenix’ opens with a prologue that captures the theme’s essence but simultaneously prolongs the film’s start by a couple of minutes. Imagine these profound statements and messages finding their way through dialogue. Levi’s lines could’ve been elevated in some places – if he had said the things in the opening sequence, they could’ve provoked a reaction from Ezra or someone else, for that matter.
The audience reacts to information from their favourite characters more than the omnipresent narrator, whose job is to establish the foundation for the central dramatic situation. By the time Levi and Ezra discuss the ideas and messages mentioned in the prologue, the audience would’ve excitedly anticipated their every word and reaction. In addition, the film’s title shows up almost twenty-five minutes into it, but it could be essential to move this to the beginning so as to avoid the impression that the story is just about to start. Some viewers might intuitively think that it took the film almost half an hour to reach the critical bits of the story, when in actuality, letting the opening credits roll from the beginning would avoid confusion and allow the storyline to flow without interruptions.
At the end of the day, this is just a finesse compared to the great job done. The camera work, the acting, the directing and the complexity are the aspects that help set ‘Midnight in Phoenix’ apart from the crowd. As mentioned, the film offers an unforgettable and immersive experience that only the independent cinema could offer.
‘Midnight in Phoenix’ is the triumph of queer people and drag performers. It’s a love letter to people who feel like they are alone in this world. It’s an inspiring artwork that reminds us of what cinema really is – a deeply profound medium that provokes us to discover things about ourselves that we never thought existed. In conclusion, ‘Midnight in Phoenix’ is a statement of love, passion and genuine filmmaking. With that being said, we can’t wait to see what the filmmakers’ next project is going to be.
