Actress Amrit Kaur (“The Sex Lives of College Girls”) stars in the new dramedy “The Queen of My Dreams,” which was written and directed by Fawzia Mirza.
Hamza Haq also stars as Hassan. This is a mother-daughter dramedy that bridges continents, cultures, and generations. It is set between Toronto and the colorful streets of Karachi in Pakistan.
The movie follows a 22-year-old queer Muslim graduate student Azra Malik (played by Amrit Kaur), who is estranged from her conservative mother, Mariam (Nimra Bucha).
When her father dies suddenly during a trip to Pakistan, Azra is pulled back to her ancestral home for the burial and into a journey through memory, identity, and reconciliation.
Barred from participating in the funeral rites, Azra flashes back to key moments in her family’s past: Mariam’s unruly youth in 1969 Karachi, and their shared struggles as immigrants in 1989 Nova Scotia, where Mariam turned to religion to cope with her husband’s illness and Azra’s queerness.
In an unexpected moment between Azra and her dementia-stricken grandmother, a moment of revelation allows Azra to begin the process of mending the long-fractured relationship with her mother.
Amrit Kaur is a revelation as the rebellious Azra; moreover, Nimra Bucha and Kaur’s characters’ rapport allows for more resonance.
Compliments to screenwriter Fawzia Mirza for writing such a bold, brave, and unflinching story that should be experienced by all.
Mirza should also be commended for her vision in bringing this piece to life.
The Verdict
Overall, “The Queen of My Dreams” is enthralling, quirky, moving, and witty new queer film by Fawzia Mirza.
It is full of life and joy, and it will certainly move the audience on an emotional level. It ought to be enjoyed for its beauty, authenticity, and complexity.
It is not afraid to push the envelope, and it will certainly spark conversations among viewers. Most importantly, it reminds us to call our parents more often. “The Queen of My Dreams” garners 4.5 out of 5 stars.
