Coming out of the same studio that gave us RuPaul's Drag Race, and stacked with a whole crew of former contestants, Stop! That! Train! plays like RuPaul basically taking a bow for the entire franchise she's built. It's not really a gay film in the traditional sense, but with so many drag stars from Ru's shows popping up alongside a few cameos from well known out gay actors, I figured it earns a spot on this blog anyway. The whole thing is completely over the top, packed with GenZ slang, loud flashy visuals, and humor that's constantly winking at you knowing how ridiculous it is. Going in you'd assume it's meant to be a laugh riot, and a lot of critics online seem to be eating it up, but I just couldn't get into it at all. I've never really been someone who vibes with campy silly stuff like this, so honestly my reaction doesn't surprise me one bit. The setup follows Tess and DeeDee, two low level stewardesses who sneak onto the fancy Glamazonian E...
I have to tell you, this series was such a blast and the perfect guilty pleasure. I’ve really been craving something like this lately—it’s got skin, a fun vibe, plenty of suspense, and sex, but it never feels like it’s dragging its feet. Since the eight episodes only run about 10 to 12 minutes each, I never once felt bored. There was always something happening to keep me hooked. The creators called it "Agatha Christie by way of Fire Island," and honestly, that’s the perfect way to put it. It’s a group of guys at a nude resort in a show that’s steamy, campy, and full of sexy actors. They’re trying to crack a murder mystery while getting into all sorts of spicy trouble along the way.
The plot kicks off right after the death of this loaded businessman named Nikos, who passes away right after throwing a massive orgy for his birthday. His son, Aaron, is now the one running his dad’s nude resort out in the middle of the desert. Ten guys get these invitations that were sent out after Nikos died, telling them to meet up at the private resort. Among them are Aaron and his brother who’s been away, plus Jacques, who works there, and seven other guests who all happened to be at that birthday orgy. Once they arrive, a video plays and reveals that those seven guests were actually blackmailing Nikos by threatening to out him. Even so, he left a million dollars for each of the ten men, as long as they can stay the whole weekend without their phones. The catch? If someone dies, their million gets split between everyone still standing. Just like you'd expect, people start getting murdered one by one, and everyone starts pointing fingers. By the finale, all the secrets come out, and it actually makes sense. Sure, there are some plot holes, but I honestly didn't care because the ending wrapped everything up and explained the whole mess.
Those seven special guests come from all over the place—you’ve got Cassidy the Olympic athlete, a socialite named Barron, a publicist called Bryan, a model named Montana, an activist named Liam, an adult film star Jesse and his partner, and a former professor named Eric. Every single one of them has a different relationship with power. Some try to dominate everyone, some use charm, some hide behind their intellect, and some use their looks as a weapon. You have guys who are desperate for approval and others who just want to be feared, but none of them are just "normal" bystanders. The show does a great job balancing love, loss, mystery, jealousy, and comedy. Having a ton of full-frontal nudity definitely didn't hurt the show's charm, either. Laid Bare really delivers on that front, but it’s not just about being naked. It’s about stripping away your clothes and maybe your insecurities while trying to solve a crime and live your best life. Between the orgies and the drama, the murder might slip your mind for a second, but it really is the center of the story. I honestly didn't see the big reveal coming in the last episode, but the way they showed who did it and how their plan worked really clicked for me. The acting was great, the writing was super witty and sharp, and the directing felt really creative. It’s definitely a thirst trap, but it’s also just great entertainment that nails the "whodunnit" vibe.
This is a fast-paced, sexy, and witty murder mystery that knows exactly what it wants to be and delivers a ton of fun in short bursts. It’s the ultimate campy thriller for anyone who wants a little spice with their suspense. (7/10)
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