One of Layla’s most memorable scenes sees the titular Arab drag queen (Bilal Hasna) performing at a bland London event for a ready meal brand called Fork Me!. After being paid in Fork Me! coupons rather than cash, Layla takes to the mic for a viscous and entertaining takedown of performative wokeness by corporate brands, while highlighting the prejudice they encounter on a daily basis. It’s a sharp, funny riff, and it also introduces romantic interest Max, a smitten white marketing executive whom Layla whisks off to their beloved queer club, Feathers. After a whirlwind start, the path for Layla and Max is rocky, as their differences become increasingly clear.
Written and directed by drag queen Amrou Al-Kadhi, the story clearly comes from a very personal place, subtly exploring a specific culture clash and the compromises both characters attempt to make it work. While there is a palpable tenderness in the love scenes – along with a dash of kink – Layla flirts with romantic drama without ever quite committing. As each character veers between confidence and awkwardness, it feels credible but doesn’t dig terribly deep.
As that early scene suggests, there are wider cultural contradictions to explore. The rooftop of the flamboyant, inclusive Feathers looks out onto the city of London, where Max works. The glistening buildings of the city represent the gentrification that is threatening Feathers' very existence, while its inhabitants simultaneously pay lip service to diversity by sponsoring events at Pride.
There’s a palpable tenderness in the love scenes – and a dash of kink
Layla is a small but promising calling card for its debut director, as well as star Hasna, who puts in a sympathetic central performance as the non-binary Layla, whether they are performing on stage, hanging out with their mates or trying to avoid their family.
There's another great party scene when Layla – known to their family as Latif – is at a function while meddling guests try to fix them up with a childhood friend. Left to chat, the girl immediately reassures Layla that her boyfriend is waiting for her in the car, and she's got some blow if they'd like some. ‘It's the only way to keep your eyes open through one of these.’
It’s in these witty moments of cultural confusion that Layla is at its most entertaining… although the fabulous costumes come a close second.
In UK cinemas Nov 22.