INDIE CORNER: A SHOCKED GLIMPSE INTO T.S. SLAUGHTER'S 'THE GAYS'

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It’s a blanket term, “The Gays,” referring to an entire unseen lifestyle, usually spoken by an uptight straight person who thinks they’re far away from such people… Used in a sentence, “What are ‘The Gays’ protesting now?” or something of that nature…

But now, thanks (or no thanks, depending on the viewer) to writer/director T.S. Slaughter... obviously influenced by and even referencing indie auteur John Waters... THE GAYS can be lifted of its quotes: They are a now an actual suburban family residing in Pasadena, California. 

Two homosexual parents have proudly raised their sons… Alex, our story-weaving barfly, in particular… to be gay from the very beginning – in this case, of the movie itself: The first three minutes provide bizarre imagery purposely crossing the jagged line, with a child’s-eye view of a mobile with… not the typical objects “hung” from strings... This the unique perspective of infant Alex, lying in a crib and facing his not so typical mother, Bob: the film’s very own Divine, providing some of the best one-liners throughout... None that can or will or should be divulged here.

Like in any super low budget indie venture, the acting is not always terrific… mother and Alex, thankfully the main players, are the most comfortable in front of the camera. Meanwhile, certain porno-bordering moments try too hard for shock value, deviating from a plot needing a bit more... nurturing. Yet throughout the often chaotic madness – more thematic than linear – there’s something of a wickedly deranged heart beating here.

Intentionally pushing (and licking and sealing) the envelope, THE GAYS is a fast-paced parody of the 1950’s FATHER KNOWS BEST style “nuclear family” in hard reverse: providing a twist on every piece of parental advice in a genuinely risqué vehicle that might not be up everyone’s alley, but if you dare to “go there,” hold on to your hat – it’s quite a ride.