“Drive-Away Dolls” Review: A Ribald and Hilarious Lesbian Road Movie
An audacious lesbian road movie inspired by influential directors John Waters and Russ Meyer, “Drive-Away Dolls” is a must-watch for film enthusiasts looking for a bold and entertaining cinematic experience. Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Ethan Coen and written by Coen and his wife, Tricia Cooke, this movie features a stellar cast and a rip-roaring narrative that will have you laughing and on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
A Ribald Take on Classic B-Movies
“Drive-Away Dolls” follows the story of two young women, played by Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan, who unwittingly rent a car with a dangerous cargo in the trunk, leading to a thrilling and hilarious chase across America. Inspired by Russ Meyer’s “Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!,” and John Waters’ “Pink Flamingos,” Coen and Cooke masterfully infuse their film with the same audaciousness and irreverence that made these B movies cult classics.
Awards Season Underdog
Rather than aiming for Oscars, “Drive-Away Dolls” embraces its B-movie status and revels in its raw and uninhibited quality. Scheduled for release in February, this film is poised to be a refreshing change of pace from the typical awards season contenders. Its unashamed dedication to creating a wild and entertaining ride is a welcome departure from the usual serious and cerebral offerings.
Inspiration from Hollywood Legends
In a recent interview, filmmaker Ethan Coen, who is best known for co-directing films such as “No Country for Old Men” with his brother Joel, shared that “Drive-Away Dolls” draws inspiration from the classic Hollywood films “Kiss Me Deadly” and “Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice,” directed by Robert Aldrich and Paul Mazursky respectively. Coen and Cooke discussed how these movies influenced their approach to creating a fun and outrageous couple-on-the-run story and how they sought to capture the essence of that irreverent and audacious 1960s filmmaking style.
A Fun and Collaborative Filmmaking Process
With the success of their 40-year partnership, Coen and his usual creative partner Joel Coen have recently pursued solo projects, with Ethan collaborating with his wife, Tricia Cooke, on “Drive-Away Dolls.” When asked why they chose to work together, Coen explained that they have always had a strong working relationship, and this film provided an opportunity for them to spend quality time together and capitalize on their shared creative energies. Their collaboration allowed them to bring out the best in each other and create a film that honors their shared cinematic vision.
Regarding their roles as co-directors, Coen clarified that they worked together throughout the entire process, making joint creative decisions and coordinating behind the camera. While Coen received the solo director credit from the DGA due to his existing membership in the guild, both he and Cooke emphasize that their collaboration was indeed equal, and they consider themselves co-directors in the truest sense.
A Stellar Cast and Incredible Chemistry
Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan deliver remarkable performances in “Drive-Away Dolls,” perfectly capturing the humor, charm, and chemistry between their characters. Cooke has praised Qualley’s free-spirited and spontaneous portrayal of her character, Jamie, while Coen highlights Viswanathan’s comedic timing, which adds another layer of hilarity to the already outrageous story. The on-screen magic created by Qualley and Viswanathan further highlights the brilliance of the film’s casting decisions and showcases the incredible talent and versatility of these rising stars.
A Nod to the Playful and Irreverent
“Drive-Away Dolls” manages to entertain audiences with its high-energy and no-holds-barred approach while also exploring important themes of empowerment and identity. Coen and Cooke effortlessly merge the playfulness and raunchiness typically associated with traditional male-driven comedies with nuanced storytelling and an authentic exploration of the LGBTQ+ experience. The result is a film that transcends its B-movie influences and stands as a true testament to the creative vision and talent of its filmmakers.
In Conclusion
With its blend of humor, heart, and uninhibited fun, “Drive-Away Dolls” solidifies its status as a ribald and hilarious lesbian road movie that is not to be missed. Coen and Cooke’s innovative approach to storytelling, coupled with the phenomenal performances of their cast, promises an entertaining cinematic experience that will leave audiences both delighted and craving for more.
