While Seriously Red is a film that has its heart in the right place, exploring the fascinating world of celebrity impersonators and, by extension, what that does to one's identity, Gracie Otto's musically inclined comedy never really delves into what enough about your themes.
Otto's film centers on Raylene "Red" Delaney (Krew Boylan, the film's writer and the broken heart), a property appraiser who isn't very good at the technical aspects of her job, but finds the joy of meeting new people and knowing their stories. Red is much more at ease when she lets loose and dresses like her idol, Dolly Parton. And because he thinks his workplace awards ceremony is a costume event, he dresses up as Dolly, accepting the "clown award" from his snickering co-workers (Todd Lasance has a bit role as support as his fed up and questionably gifted boss), and covers “9 To 5” to win back their taunts and, momentarily, win them over.
Director: Gracie Otto
Writer: Krew Boylan
Stars: Krew Boylan, Daniel Webber, Rose Byrne
Prior to his performance in Parton, the event was overseen by an Elvis impersonator (Rose Byrne, who also serves as the film's executive producer), and said manager, Teeth (Celeste Barber, who further demonstrates her flair as a comedian). , likes Red , so much so that he offers her the opportunity to audition for the company she is looking for. At first, Red makes it clear that this is more of a hobby and a light escape, but when she loses her job, or quits, depending on what events she follows, she accepts Teeth's offer; and yes, there's a particularly weird backstory to why her name is Teeth.
Up to this point, Seriously Red has traveled at a relatively predictable pace, but it delivers enough decent laughs and there's a general sense of excitement peppered throughout. So it's a shame it loses steam when Red lands the gig as Dolly and learns that she'll be touring alongside a Kenny Rogers impersonator (Daniel Webber). It's not that this narrative aspect isn't interesting, though, it's that its exploration of what it's like to be an impersonator and live "as" that person (Kenny and Red live together as a couple, always in character) never feels all that expansive. as it should. It's a completely fascinating concept, and while we can see Red struggling with this concept as he notes Kenny's distaste for trying to figure out who he really is, or how his mother (Jean Kittson) and best friend (a very sweet Thomas Campbell) vehemently disapproves, the psychological aspect is ignored, and by the time “Elvis” badmouths Red and offers some hard truths and valuable comments about identity and how much easier it is for a woman to “play” a woman, it's too much. Late for a relationship that hasn't been given time to develop on screen.
It's finding the balance of its comedic and dramatic aspects that Seriously Red has the most trouble maintaining. There are two worthwhile movies here: one of Red embracing who she is through the fantasy and strength of Dolly Parton, the other investigating the world of impersonators and what that means for one's identity, and while both they are slightly flirtatious, you never learn how to streamline them. Of course, that's not to say that Seriously Red isn't lacking in charm.
Boylan is an explosive performer, she really shines when she's primped (pun intended), and the moments where she plays both Barber and Bobby Cannavale (wonderfully unapproachable as Barber's employer) prove the film's most likable. Likely to be a crowd-pleaser and easily digested by those who enjoy Parton's undemanding music and comedy, Seriously Red hopes she can get by with her inspirational-quote mentality long enough to disguise the fact that she's more shallow than usual. that should be.
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