Name: Seriously Red
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Music, Drama
Released: 2022-11-24T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Krew Boylan, Daniel Webber, Celeste Barber, Thomas Campbell, Jean Kittson

There’s a moment in Seriously Red where Krew Boylan, as Raylene “Red” Delaney, stands on stage in full Dolly Parton regalia, belting out a tune with wild-eyed determination. The lights glint off her oversized wig and sequined outfit, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the audience. It’s the kind of scene that should be electric, a triumphant declaration of self-discovery and reinvention. Instead, it feels like yet another misstep in a film that never quite finds its footing.

Directed by Gracie Otto, Seriously Red follows Red, a former real estate agent who trades her nine-to-five for the glittery world of Dolly Parton impersonation after a wardrobe malfunction leads to an unexpected opportunity. The premise is ripe with potential—a story about self-acceptance, the absurdity of fame, and the search for authenticity in a world of artifice. Yet the film stumbles in its execution, failing to fully commit to either the heartfelt drama or the raucous comedy it flirts with.

The film premiered at the 2022 South by Southwest Film Festival before hitting Australian theaters in November of that year, and while it garnered some praise for its boldness and energy, critics were divided, with many reviewers citing its uneven tone and lack of depth as major drawbacks. Yet, there’s something undeniably compelling about Seriously Red, even in its flaws—a ragged charm that makes it worth examining.

Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. The cinematography captures the garish glamour of Red’s new life with an eye for detail, using vivid colors and dynamic compositions to create a world that feels both fantastical and uncomfortably real. The editing keeps the pace brisk, though at times it feels rushed, as if the film can’t decide whether to linger on the emotional beats or barrel through them. Cezary Skubiszewski’s score is lively, but it often undercuts the tone rather than enhancing it, swinging between whimsical and maudlin without finding a consistent rhythm.

Boylan’s performance is the film’s strongest asset. She brings a frenetic energy to Red, capturing the character’s desperation and longing with a raw, unfiltered intensity. There’s a scene early in the film where Red, after being fired from her real estate job, stumbles into a bar and meets Kenny (Daniel Webber), a Kenny Rogers impersonator, for the first time. Boylan’s performance here is electric, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and excitement as she navigates this new world. Webber, too, delivers a charming turn, offering moments of genuine warmth that ground the film in emotional reality.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Celeste Barber shines as Teeth, Red’s no-nonsense friend who provides both comic relief and emotional support. Rose Byrne’s cameo as Elvis adds a layer of campy fun, while Bobby Cannavale’s dual role as Wilson/Neil Diamond is a highlight, bringing a sense of gravitas to the otherwise absurd proceedings. Jean Kittson as Viv, Red’s mother, offers moments of quiet wisdom that cut through the film’s more outlandish elements.

However, the script—written by Boylan and Lynne Vincent McCarthy—is where Seriously Red falters most significantly. The dialogue often feels awkward and forced, veering between cringe-inducing one-liners and overly sentimental declarations. There’s a scene where Red confesses her feelings to Kenny that feels particularly stilted, the words heavy with clichés and lacking the emotional resonance they deserve.

The film’s attempts at humor frequently miss the mark, relying on broad stereotypes and slapstick rather than sharp wit or insightful social commentary. The narrative structure is similarly uneven, bouncing between Red’s personal journey and her professional antics without a clear sense of purpose. The romantic subplot with Kenny feels tacked on, lacking the chemistry or emotional depth to make it compelling.

And while the film’s themes of self-discovery and authenticity are undeniably relevant, they’re never explored with the nuance or depth they deserve. Red’s journey is meant to be a metaphor for shedding one’s skin and finding oneself beneath the layers of artifice, but the film never fully commits to this idea. Instead, it flits from one set piece to the next, never allowing the audience to truly connect with Red’s struggle.

In many ways, Seriously Red feels like a missed opportunity. It has all the ingredients for a great film—a compelling premise, a talented cast, and a director with a clear vision. But it’s held back by a script that can’t decide what it wants to be, and a tone that swings wildly from one extreme to the next.

That said, there are moments of genuine brilliance buried beneath the clutter. Boylan’s performance, for instance, is a standout, and the film’s visual style is undeniably striking. The supporting cast brings depth and nuance to their roles, elevating the material whenever they can. And there’s a certain ragged charm to the film’s absurdity, a sense that it’s trying so hard to be something special that it’s almost impossible not to root for it.

Ultimately, Seriously Red is a film that tries too hard to be everything at once—a comedy, a drama, a musical, a romance—and in doing so, it becomes none of these things. It’s a shame, because there are moments of genuine brilliance buried beneath the clutter. Boylan’s performance, for instance, is a standout, and the film’s visual style is undeniably striking.

The film will likely resonate most with audiences who enjoy campy, over-the-top comedies with a heartfelt core. Fans of musicals and tribute acts may find it particularly appealing, as will those who appreciate films that explore themes of self-discovery and authenticity. However, viewers looking for a tightly plotted narrative or nuanced character development may find themselves disappointed.

In the end, Seriously Red is a film that’s hard to love but impossible to ignore. It’s messy, uneven, and at times frustratingly inconsistent. But it’s also vibrant, energetic, and undeniably bold—a film that takes risks even when they don’t always pay off.