"Lady Like", directed by Luke Willis, presents an intimate portrait of Rex Wheeler, better known as Lady Camden, a standout contestant from RuPaul's Drag Race Season 14. The documentary delves into the complexities of Lady Camden’s rise to fame, her childhood trauma, and the personal costs of navigating the pressures of reality television stardom. Through candid interviews, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and an exploration of both the triumphs and struggles Lady Camden faces, "Lady Like" offers a unique perspective on the transformative power of drag and the deep emotional journey that accompanies fame.
The film weaves together Lady Camden’s story, starting with her formative years in London and progressing through her time as a professional ballet dancer. Rex Wheeler, the man behind the persona, recounts his challenging childhood, including bullying at school and the devastating loss of his older brother to suicide. His early love for ballet offered a rare escape from the harsh realities of life. He went on to study at the prestigious Royal Ballet School before relocating to America, where he joined the Sacramento Ballet.
However, after an injury that ended his ballet career, Rex found new expression in drag, discovering a natural affinity for the art form. This pivotal shift from ballet to drag is a central theme in "Lady Like", highlighting the intersection of Rex’s love for performance and his identity as Lady Camden. The film chronicles his evolution from an emerging drag queen to an internationally known star, thanks to his memorable appearance on "RuPaul’s Drag Race".
Much of "Lady Like" focuses on Rex’s time on "RuPaul’s Drag Race", where Lady Camden competed against other drag queens for the coveted title. The documentary provides a mix of footage from the show itself, animated sequences, and candid moments as Rex navigates the emotional highs and lows of reality TV. We see Lady Camden’s journey unfold on television, from being critiqued and misunderstood by fellow queens, including Bob the Drag Queen, to gradually earning the affection of both fellow contestants and fans.
The documentary gives viewers a deeper look at the pressure of public scrutiny and the toll it takes on Rex. As Lady Camden, he must balance his fierce stage persona with the emotional challenges of being constantly in the spotlight. At times, the film explores the "villain edit" that Rex perceives from the show’s portrayal of him, focusing on his internal struggles with his identity and the negative feedback he receives from viewers and fellow contestants.
Willis also highlights the mental and emotional cost of fame, illustrating the difficulty of reconciling Rex's personal vulnerabilities with the expectations of the "Drag Race" world. A particularly poignant moment in the film shows Rex rewatching YouTube reviews of his performance on "Drag Race", where critics focus on his perceived flaws and express disappointment in his lack of authenticity.
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The documentary does not shy away from the darker aspects of Rex’s life. The loss of his brother to suicide casts a long shadow over his journey, and the film takes viewers back to London where Rex confronts his past, reconnecting with friends and family. It’s a deeply emotional moment where Rex reflects on his brother’s death and the impact it had on his mental health. The film touches on his distant relationship with his father, though it doesn't delve into it deeply, leaving some emotional threads untied.
Despite the heavy moments, "Lady Like" also provides light-hearted scenes, such as Lady Camden reuniting with an old school friend in London and humorously discovering that “Twickenham is gay now.” One of the standout scenes at the BFI Flare festival, which garnered a big laugh, features Camden’s mother learning LGBTQ+ slang from Camden’s drag mother. These moments of levity provide much-needed contrast to the film's more somber themes. While "Lady Like" is undeniably a documentary about a drag queen, it is equally about Rex Wheeler’s artistic journey and his evolution as a performer. Rex’s background in ballet is a crucial aspect of his identity, and the film does an excellent job of illustrating how this training influences his approach to drag. A particularly memorable moment occurs when Lady Camden performs a pas de deux in Rococo-style, replacing ballet slippers with high heels, showcasing her ability to fuse her two passions - ballet and drag - into something uniquely her own.
The film moves quickly through the timeline of Lady Camden’s rise to fame, offering glimpses of her appearances at watch parties and in drag shows, but it also lingers on the quieter, more personal moments. Lady Camden’s story is presented as both a coming-of-age narrative and a portrayal of an artist grappling with the complexities of fame, identity, and the drag community.
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"Lady Like" stands out from other drag documentaries due to its experimental approach to storytelling. The film incorporates a range of techniques, including animation, traditional documentary footage, and fictitious retellings, to create a multifaceted narrative. This playful approach adds depth to the film’s exploration of Rex's journey, but at times it can feel like the narrative gets bogged down by repetition, especially when revisiting themes that have already been explored.
While some might find the pacing slow and the emotional exploration surface-level, the documentary successfully conveys the internal conflict Rex faces as he tries to reconcile the man behind the makeup with the queen who commands the stage. It’s a story about self-discovery, both on and off the screen, and the toll that fame takes on an individual’s mental and emotional health. What "Lady Like" does well is to remind audiences that drag is more than just fashion, beauty, and performances - it's a deeply personal and sometimes painful journey of self-expression and healing. Rex’s experience is a testament to the power of drag as a vehicle for self-empowerment and transformation, both for the performer and their audience. The film also brings attention to the financial, mental, and emotional costs of being in the public eye, especially in the context of the high demands of "RuPaul's Drag Race".
Ultimately, "Lady Like" is a documentary about finding oneself amidst the glittering chaos of the drag world. It’s a film that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, the power of performance, and the importance of community. As Rex reflects on his identity, both as Lady Camden and as Rex Wheeler, the film underscores the healing potential of drag and its ability to help individuals overcome their past traumas.
While "Lady Like" might not offer profound new insights into Lady Camden’s identity, it remains a compelling and heartfelt documentary about the price of fame, the complexities of identity, and the transformative nature of drag. With its candid portrayal of Rex’s personal struggles, the film provides a rare and intimate look at the life of one of "RuPaul’s Drag Race"'s most beloved contestants.
In the end, "Lady Like" is a film about healing, growth, and the journey to self-acceptance. It may not answer all the questions about Lady Camden's true identity, but it offers a thoughtful exploration of what it means to live authentically in a world that often demands conformity. For those who already love Lady Camden, the documentary offers a deeper understanding of the person behind the iconic drag persona, while for those unfamiliar with her, it provides a compelling introduction to one of drag's most intriguing stars.
Image credits: YouTube
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