[LesbianSpace Princess] is a delightful queer fantasy that subverts gender norms.

In the farawaycosmos, the small planet Clitopolis is a perfect utopia for lesbians. It’s alsothe place where the main character Saira was born. As the only daughter of theroyal family, she appears to have it all. But deep inside, she always feelsanxious. Following a bitter breakup with her lover Kiki, Saira becomes deeplyconfused. One day, when Kiki is kidnapped by the bad guys, a strange andexciting adventure begins to unfold. It’s through this journey that Sairabegins to discover her own hidden self.

Thisanimation comes from the delightful and inventive imagination of Australianco-directors and writers Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese. It freelycombines indie sensibilities with comedy, sci-fi, and queer narratives. We cansee in its DNA an absurdity and originality felt in the likes of “AdventureTime with Finn & Jake” and “Rick and Morty.” The elements of parody and thecolorful Sailor Moon-esque world are a visual joy to behold.

[LesbianSpace Princess] does not stop at being a mere comic fantasy. The main characterbucks the mainstream by being absurd and rough around the edges, yet the filmdelicately portrays her inner world while also humorously presenting thenuanced tension between feminism and patriarchy. Under the guise of a sci-ficomedy, it refreshingly upturns traditional gender norms and conveys a powerfulmessage.

Manyrenowned Australian voice actors breathed life into the characters, straddlingthe line between mass popularity and originality while also creating anarrative with a new kind of sensibility. This peculiar and proud queer fantasypresents a story happening somewhere in the galaxy. It boldly embraces theludicrous while warmly comforting everyone who has experienced alienation andconfusion regarding their identity. [Lesbian Space Princess] is ready foraudiences, breaking down stereotypes and pushing new horizons in queernarratives. 

Jinny Hyejin CHOO