Queen is not the everyday run-on-the-mill TV series you would expect to come out of Poland. Currently, Poland isn’t known as the most supportive country of the LGBTQIA+ community. In fact, they are trying to roll back some laws that protect the community.
But, remarkably, such a series would come out of the country, proving that many people in the country supported the LGBTQIA+ community and helped produce a touching streaming series currently available on Netflix.
Sylwester (Andrzej Seweryn), a successful tailor in Paris, is looking at closing up shop and making a change. After so many years of making a name for himself as a successful bespoke tailor, making suits, it is time to retire.
By night Sylwester goes by another name, Loretta, a renowned Drag Queen who has had a remarkable career in Paris. Over 30 years performing the clubs and has gained a reputation as one of the best entertainers. But like most things in life, it must come to an end, as Drag does take a toll on one’s body.
Written by Arni Olafur Asgeirsson and Kacper Wysocki, Queen explores the reconciliation between a long-lost father and his daughter. Sylwester returns to Poland after receiving a letter from his granddaughter (Julia Chetnicka) advising that his daughter (Maria Peszek) needs a kidney transplant.
The series explores family acceptance and the idea that a relationship between a long-lost father and daughter can be restored. But this can only start to be repaired after a frank, open discussion that is open and very honest. It is a very touching series.
Directed by Lukasz Kosmicki, Queen is a moving series to come out of Poland that deals with some heavy topics like acceptance from family and why an older gay identifying male might leave his family to seek to reinvent himself in another country with the goal to live an honest and truthful existence. Queen does make you think about the plight of the older generation of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Andrzej Seweryn, from his performance in Schindler’s List, is touching as Sylwester and outstanding as Loretta. His performance is consistent whether playing Sylwester or Loretta. He brings an honesty and genuine aspect to the roles that makes it seem more real than you would expect from a series that sometimes has a comedic flair.
Keep an eye out for a lovely cameo surprise. Antoni Porowsk, from Queer Eye, makes an appearance as Sylwester’s assistant. He is very good in his performance and more acting roles might be in the future for this reality TV star.
Queen on Netflix was a pleasant surprise. Not often do you see such a well-made series that captures what it is like for members of the LGBTQIA+ community when they have to deal with their past. Quite often, it means returning home to a family that doesn’t accept them as their authentic self.
Queen is a fun series about acceptance, love, and family reconciliation.
