Queendom

Thankfully, “Queendom” is not a dull documentary on a fascinating subject.

It’s hard to understand the emotions coursing through Marvin’s body, as it’s wrapped in gaffer tape or barbed wire in a series of improvised exercises in fashion-as-armour. She admits to fear, but never to doubt as she embarks on her single-minded mission to subvert Russia's remorselessly anti-LGBTQ+ agenda.

As Gena attempts to live an authentic life in a place which is dangerously prejudiced against her, so Queendom takes shape as a damning portrait of state-sanctioned intolerance and suppression.

Ultimately, as Agniia Galdanova’s remarkable observational documentary shows, Gena is her own extraordinary creation.

I would have liked to hear more about Gena’s late mother and the family history generally, but this is an arresting portrait.

A devastating, urgent reminder that art can be dangerous and important and political and powerful — especially in ten-inch heels.