“DELIGHTFUL, ABSURD, FIERCELY POLITICAL” – The New York Times
“A BEEFCAKE FANTASIA OF MASCULINE CAMARADERIE” – The Film Experience
“HILARLOUS AND YET STILL HEARTFELT” – Film Inquiry
“MIRTHFUL AND SENSUALLY RESTLESS” – Variety
“SERVED UP WITH LASHINGS OF HOMOEROTICISM” – Screen International
“ONE OF THE YEAR’S TEN BEST” – John Waters
From transgressive queer auteur Joao Pedro Rodriguez (O Fantasma, The Ornithologist), the new musical fantasia Will-O’-the-Wisp begins in the year 2069. On his deathbed, Portugal’s King Alfredo recalls the social activism and erotic exploits of his youth in the early years of the 21st century.
As a fresh-faced, curly-haired young prince (Mauro Costa), he shocked his wealthy family by becoming a volunteer fireman – both to do his part for the community and to be surrounded by a bevy of beefy firefighters. When he meets Alfonso (Andre Cabral), his instructor, new possibilities open as the pair become deeply immersed in love, desire and a will to change the status quo.
This sexually-frank new film – a mix of historical tableau, musical comedy, queer romance and post-colonial provocation – maintains a joyous energy while examining heavy themes.
