Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, a musical drama is now out on Amazon Prime Video. Directed by Jonathan Butterell with a screenplay by Tom MacRae, the film is inspired by the life of Jamie Campbell. It stars Max Harwood, Sarah Lancashire, Lauren Patel, Shobna Gulati, Ralph Ineson, Adeel Akhtar, Samuel Bottomley, Sharon Horgan, and Richard E. Grant. The duration of the film is 115 minutes with music by Anne Dudley and songs by Dan Gillespie Sells and Tom MacRae.
The synopsis reads – Despite obstacles, 16-year-old Jamie has the courage to fabulously follow his unconventional dream in this inspiring true story turned musical sensation.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Review Contains Mild Spoilers
The story is about Jamie New (played by Max Harwood), a 16-year-old teenager from Sheffield who wants to be a performer. Jamie lives with his mother, Margaret (Sarah Lancashire), who is quite supportive. His father (Ralph Ineson) disapproves of Jamie’s lifestyle and lives separately with another woman. The 16-year-old, on the other hand, is full of hopes and dreams, as he aspires to be a powerful and stunning drag queen.
Jamie’s main supporters are his best friend Pritti (played by Lauren Patel), his mother, and her friend Ray (Shobna Gulati). When he meets local drag legend Miss Loco Chanelle (Richard E. Grant), who also mentors him for his first stage performance as a drag queen, his confidence soars. Jamie intends to dress up as a drag queen for his prom, but his school teacher, Miss Hedge (Sharon Horgan), and some bullies find Jamie’s behaviour “disturbing.”
Dean Paxton (Samuel Bottomley), one of the bullies, makes fun of Jamie for his sexuality and choices. Miss Hedge and Paxton don’t want him to be wearing a dress to the prom. So, how will Jamie deal with the hurdles preventing him from being himself (his unsupportive father, Miss Hedge, and Dean)?
From the opening scene itself, Max Harwood captivates you and you are engrossed in his story and dreams. I’m glad the film had songs and dance numbers; otherwise, it would’ve gone dark with the bullies and unsupportive parent and teacher. Max completely embraces Jamie, and you can’t take your eyes away from him when he sings and dances in the heels.
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Apart from Max, Lauren Patel’s Pritti is another favourite character of mine. She is also a target of bullying, but knows how to stand up for herself. Margaret, played by Sarah Lancashire, is a lovely and supportive mother who encourages Jamie to believe in himself. Richard E. Grant is a pleasant surprise in the movie, and I could watch him more as Loco Chanelle.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Review: Final Thoughts
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a delightful and enlightening musical that ought to be told and seen. Many people, like Jamie, are reluctant to speak openly about their ambitions and identity. The film is an amazing depiction of Drag Queens and why they are important just like everyone else. The climax is incredibly dramatic and filmy, and it could not have been better.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is now streaming on Amazon Prime.
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