We Burn Like This

The film follows Rae, a young woman grappling with the aftermath of her sister's suicide. As she navigates her grief and anger, she finds solace and connection through the underground drag scene. Rae forms an unlikely bond with a seasoned drag queen who becomes a mentor, helping her to process her trauma and find her own voice. The story explores themes of identity, loss, and the power of chosen family in the face of adversity.

We Burn Like This received a mixed to positive reception, with many critics highlighting its raw emotional honesty and strong performances, particularly from the lead cast. Some reviews noted its sensitive portrayal of grief and LGBTQ+ themes, while others found the pacing occasionally uneven. Overall, it was seen as a promising independent film that resonated with audiences looking for character-driven stories.

• Praised for its sensitive and authentic portrayal of grief and the drag community.
• Lauded for strong lead performances that carry the emotional weight of the film.
• Some found the narrative structure to be a bit slow at times.

Google audience: Audience reviews are not widely available for this independent film, but where present, appreciation is shown for its emotional depth and its exploration of themes like loss and self-discovery.

The film's director, Mara Jelonek, drew inspiration from personal experiences and observations within the underground drag scene to create an authentic portrayal of its characters and environment.