Lesbian Space Princess Misses Nothing in Its Campy Cosmic Quest for Love

Lesbian Space Princess is a bold, hilarious animated space adventure from Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese. Mixing camp sci-fi, queer identity, and heartfelt storytelling, it turns cosmic chaos into a surprisingly emotional journey of self-worth.

Lesbian space princess main posterPlease check local listings for theatrical runs

What makes Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese’s adult animated feature Lesbian Space Princess unique is how it blends self-discovery with queer themes—and sets it all in space! It recalls Lexx, the cult Canadian sci-fi series with strong adult sensibilities. Here, the heroine Saira (Shabana Azeez) heads to the stars not to save her home planet, but to find Kiki, her ex-lover who wants nothing more to do with her. She’s hoping for a second chance—but can that happen?

Like the said series, she steals a “Problematic Ship” (Richard Roxburgh) and takes off in search of her lost love. She leaves the sanctuary of her homeworld, aptly named Clitopolis. If echoes of The Rocky Horror Picture Show don’t come knocking—because I couldn’t help wondering if the planet Transsexual from the system Transylvania might be nearby—then I don’t know what will. No shared universe is implied here, and I’m glad!

Continue reading “Lesbian Space Princess Misses Nothing in Its Campy Cosmic Quest for Love”

In Vitro Review: Psychological Tension Stuck In Utero

In Vitro delivers psychological tension and haunting atmosphere but feels stuck in utero, never fully realising its broader dystopian potential. Strong character work and an evocative soundtrack drive the film, though uneven pacing and limited world-building hold it back.

In Vitro Movie PosterNow Available on VOD (UK)

In art exhibitions, the words “In Vitro” have often been used for installations and short films that explore the relationship between humans and technology. With this title now attached to a feature co-directed and written by Will Howarth and Tom McKeith, the ideas are explored in a different, unsettling context.

The story is about control. Jack (Ashley Zukerman) runs the household and the business, and his behaviour unsettles his wife, Layla (Talia Zucker). Together, they operate a cloning facility that supplies cows to a country unable to sustain its own livestock. While the premise hints at broader dystopian implications, the narrative keeps its focus tightly on Layla’s personal struggles, leaving the larger world underdeveloped.

Continue reading “In Vitro Review: Psychological Tension Stuck In Utero”

Updates on What the Astronots Are Up To

Until a feature length film finally gets off the ground (pardoning the pun), the short film AstroNots is ready to launch on streaming platforms.

AstroNots keyart theatrical posterAstroNots is finally landing after playing at twenty more film festivals worldwide! Anyone who has not seen this hilarious short film at their local event or Fantasia Film Festival 2024 can now stream it through Film Shortage, beginning June 23, 2025. When I interviewed the creative team last year, producer Andrew Seaton said they want to make a feature film length version of this film. Although not much has progressed since, he confirmed writers Adam Dunn and Aaron Glenane are working hard on putting a script together.

He said, “We are excited about the prospect of taking these characters and their unique dynamic even further. What we love is that we have an odd couple road-trip movie, set in space. Something truly hilarious and unique.”

Continue reading “Updates on What the Astronots Are Up To”

Jon Bennett’s Ameri-can’t at Victoria Fringe 2024 Is Heartfelt Than Just A Rant

Whichever spelling people want to use to describe Jon Bennett’s Ameri-can’t or simply American’t, this show is about the can do attitude this comedian eventually decided to follow than not to be the success that he is!

American't Promo Card2Hoots Productions

When Jon Bennett‘s latest Fringe show, Ameri-can’t, hints at a performance about what the United States of America is incapable of getting back in control, that’s because what’s revealed isn’t too far from the truth. The reports he shows regarding gun control and limiting its use are spot on. And there are aspects he loves, namely the people and how lively the arts scene is here.

Even in 2024, there’s no denying the impact of the pandemic is still lingering around, and while some talents struggled to get by, he’s turned his experience into one rip-roaring, hilarious show that’s not without a message. Anyone who has experienced suicidal thoughts during this time should seek help, and his openness about it is truly eye-opening.

Continue reading “Jon Bennett’s Ameri-can’t at Victoria Fringe 2024 Is Heartfelt Than Just A Rant”

AstroNots is Ready to Launch at Fantasia Film Festival 2024! An Interview with Andrew Seaton and Matthew Samperi.

AstroNots keyart theatrical posterPresented with Pendant ce temps sur Terre
July 22, 2024 6:35 PM Auditorium des diplômés de la SGWU (Théâtre Hall)

Not to be confused with other movies bearing the same name, AstroNots is a hilarious Australian short film set to screen at Fantasia Film Festival 2024! Not only has it been screened at the Hollywood Comedy Shorts and Durban International Film Festival earlier this year, but also it got honourable mention at Inner West Film Fest. With this impressive list, director Andrew Seaton and cinematographer Matthew Samperi believe they got a hit.

What I enjoyed from this work is that it pays tribute to many fond sci-fi classics in subtle ways. And to learn more about what they have planned, I got to communicate with them:

For our readers unfamiliar with your work, can I please get an introduction?

MS: Andrew and I grew up together—our parents were friends before we were born. As teenagers, we loved making short films together as a creative pursuit and a way of gathering our school friends together for some fun. This fuelled our combined passion for filmmaking which lasted throughout high school and into our university years. Eventually, when our hobby started to become our profession, we started the company Mint Films together and have since grown it into one of Australia’s top commercial production companies. We produce both commercial and creative work, and over the coming years plan to push into the long form and narrative space.

Continue reading “AstroNots is Ready to Launch at Fantasia Film Festival 2024! An Interview with Andrew Seaton and Matthew Samperi.”

Apparently, Limbo Exists Somewhere in Australia’s Savage Outback

When people are lost in desolation, Limbo isn’t a state of mind, but is just a place to be.

Limbo Movie Poster 2023Bunya Productions
Now Available to Stream on Amazon Prime

The Australian outback is not a place of Limbo as this movie’s film title suggests. Instead, it’s a world of isolation. Here, crimes can go unsolved for years, and by the time authorities get wind of a situation, rushing to a commune named after this place of purgatory to catch a criminal is often too late.

In this movie’s case, Travis Hurley (Simon Baker) comes to this migrant hovel to look at a homicide left to rot. Charlotte went missing. She didn’t go on a walkabout, as hinted in the opening moments, otherwise she’d be back. Had she been a person of European descent, I’m sure the authorities would’ve been on the case sooner. This detective came here to investigate. But when not everyone wants to talk, I wonder what they are hiding. This work isn’t like Twin Peaks by any stretch of the imagination, but I’m sure Ivan Sen got some ideas from this cult classic.

Continue reading “Apparently, Limbo Exists Somewhere in Australia’s Savage Outback”