I've always had kind of a love hate relationship with Chinese historical BLs. Some are genuinely excellent, but then there are others that cram in so much plot that keeping track of all the layers of betrayal and scheming gets exhausting, and I end up checking out mentally. Part of the issue is also just how much content is out there in this space, so something really has to stand out to keep me hooked. In this case, the production value is genuinely impressive, top tier stuff, but story wise, I just couldn't bring myself to actually care about these characters. There's a ton of political scheming and backstage manipulation running throughout. Somewhere in the middle of all that chaos, a hostage ends up falling for his own Prince Charming. The show runs eight episodes, each around 50 to 60 minutes long. After spending three years guarding the border, Fifth Prince Yin Qi gets called back to the capital because of a secret letter, only to end up walking straight into a deadly...
Slay begins on the road with a performing troupe of drag queens on their way to a gig. The 4 of them believe that the venue is legendary gay bar in middle of nowhere, only to realize they misunderstood and are actually performing at a dive bar. This dive bar is run by an old guy called Dusty, despite most of his clientele being big buffy homophobic bikers. Swallowing their pride and their need for money , they decide to perform. Just as the show starts, the bar is descended upon by a horde of vampires and now the queens, the queers and the townsfolk have to put aside their differences and their prejudices to try and survive the night. You can imagine where this film is headed. Almost one hour goes into killer vampires making more vampires and how a small bunch of people come together during adversity and putting aside intolerant views to take down the common enemy but filled with glitter, blood, and fierce fights.
As mentioned this is gloriously campy film, which knows exactly what they are making and who the audience is. The idea of drag queens fighting vampires is inherently silly and so the makers embrace that and go in full force. Most of the time the film is just playing with the insanity of the central concept, and really that seems like the best way to handle this kind of material. The 4 leads are supposedly famous drag queens and honestly they did a fantastic job of their characters. Their chemistry on screen adds to the fun and entertainment value of the movie. All the characters. In the bar also did a great job and 2 people stand out, the bar owner and Trevor, the guy who takes most jabs at the drag queens but eventually there is redemption. It’s kind of amazing how this film can jump between cheesy double entendres and then have a sincere scene encouraging a major character to be honest with who they are. The film showcases a ton of classic vampire lore and tropes while also including a few new interesting additions which was cool to see, using some examples of classic vampire films. Yes, this is a campy horror-comedy; it is funny, charming and has more than a few cute emotional moments ad would entertain, if this is what gets you going. Personally, this genre has never worked for me, and I don't think it ever will, but you guys, give it a try and you might be entertained. (4/10)
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