The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is currently streaming in Australia on Amazon Prime Video and Stan, and in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Kanopy, and it delivers exactly the kind of comedy that earns a loyal following. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Hugo Weaving's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The jokes in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. Two drag performers and a transgender woman travel across the desert to perform their unique style of cabaret. Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1994. The real test of any comedy is whether it is still funny once you know all the jokes, and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert holds up on rewatch in a way that separates it from one-off curiosities. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Hugo Weaving sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.