Set in 2055, Steevyshady, a flamboyant YouTuber, recounts the dramatic rise and fall of pop star Mimi Madamour, whose tumultuous romance with punk icon Billie Kohler fueled their artistic passions for decades. Premiering at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, “The Queens of Drama,” directed by Alexis Langlois, explores the complexities of celebrity culture and queer love. Featuring standout performances by Louiza Aura and Gio Ventura, the film highlights the struggles of love against societal constraints while paying homage to iconic cinematic influences.
A Passionate and Personal Narrative
In the year 2055, Steevyshady, a YouTuber known for his extravagant botoxed look, shares the compelling journey of his idol, the pop sensation Mimi Madamour. From the heights of her fame in 2005 to her dramatic fall, driven by a tumultuous romance with punk legend Billie Kohler, this tale captures the essence of love and conflict. For the past fifty years, these two powerful figures have channeled their emotions of passion and fury on stage.
Premiering at the Critics’ Week of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and now screening in theaters, the musical melodrama The Queens of Drama marks the directorial debut of Alexis Langlois. He gained recognition in recent years for his award-winning short films, including From Terror, My Sisters! and The Demons of Dorothy.
Langlois draws inspiration from ‘a breakup, an intense narrative filled with competition and admiration […] inspired by a person who shaped the character of Mimi. After the relationship ended, I felt compelled to share this story and understand its complexities,’ he reflects.
With a vibrant pop and retro aesthetic, Alexis Langlois transports audiences back to the 2000s, a vivid setting for the interactions between Mimi and Billie. Through this heartfelt feature, he aims to depict a genuine queer love story without glossing over its challenges: ‘I believe the film portrays couples who struggle to love one another because societal structures, dominated by patriarchy, hinder true connection. It’s crucial to showcase diverse representations, yet it’s equally vital to acknowledge our imperfections and struggles.’
A Cinematic Tapestry of Influences
Throughout The Queens of Drama, Alexis Langlois weaves a rich tapestry of references, from classics like A Star is Born with Judy Garland and Eve by Joseph L. Mankiewicz to the works of Almodovar and Brian De Palma, which significantly inspired him. He also nods to elements of popular culture, often dismissed as less significant, that have fueled his artistic drive—ranging from music videos to reality television and even the series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Through the lens of his characters, Langlois delves into the complexities of celebrity culture and the nature of stardom. ‘There’s an undeniable fascination with celebrities and the emotions they evoke in their fans. A wild adoration can quickly shift to a desire to witness their downfall. This conflicting dynamic many fans experience toward their icons has been a central theme in the script. The film explores this harsh reality while serving as a tribute to those who have faced rejection.’
Bilal Hassani’s Cinematic Debut
Louiza Aura and Gio Ventura take on the iconic roles of Mimi Madamour and Billie Kohler, the unforgettable duo at the heart of The Queens of Drama. While Gio Ventura (known for Fou de Bassan and Tambour battant) was already well acquainted with Langlois’s work, Louiza Aura steps into the spotlight for her first film role, earning her a nomination for Best Female Revelation at the 2025 César Awards!
‘When Gio and Louiza first met, there was an undeniable chemistry, a spark… To truly embrace melodrama, we needed characters that were not only strong but also flawed and vulnerable. Gio and Louiza moved me deeply with their raw sensitivity,’ shares Alexis Langlois.
This film also marks the acting debut of Bilal Hassani, who portrays the passionate YouTuber Steevyshady, an ardent admirer of Mimi Madamour. Having transitioned from childhood theater to a music career, Bilal was thrilled to be part of this project, having been a long-time fan of Alexis Langlois.
‘The narrative of Mimi and Billie holds tremendous significance and remains all too rare. Audiences crave these stories, and we need to see more of them. This film carries political weight in today’s context; we must amplify our visibility,’ expresses Bilal Hassani.
Experience the compelling story of The Queens of Drama in theaters now.