It’s been a long time coming for nuance to make its way in LGBTQIA+ stories and films. Directed by Millicent Hailes, who has worked as a creative director and photographer with musicians and artists, Perfect is Hailes’ debut feature film set in a not so distant dystopian future. Kai (played by Ashley Moore) finds herself stranded at a gas station and meets a motley crew of characters, including Mallory (Julia Fox), a mysterious outlier and artist living out a remote fantasy nearby in an isolated cabin. The two quickly form an intimate relationship, though Mallory’s intimate secrets start to unfold the more Kai spends time with her.
The setting lays its foundation with the current climate contaminated with toxic water, though that premise is left unexplained and instead serves as a subtle backdrop in the grand scheme of things. A tender coming of age portrayal, Kai has just gotten over a breakup and is in the thick of deciding what to do with her life. Upon meeting Mallory, the two become enveloped in a fantasy world of taking care of and being cared for by each other in the warmth and safety of a secluded cabin in the woods. With a clear lake nearby and very little to structure her days, Kai falls in love and ponders the idea of starting a family with Mallory and her unborn child. Perfect is full of subtle and believable characters in its small cast, including Sunny (Lio Mehiel), the optimistic and extroverted gas station attendant Kai initally befriends. Capturing romantic and sensual gestures that veer beyond blunt sexuality is Perfect’s strong point; a lingering scalp massage, eye contact in an expansive body of water and corporeal explorations beyond the male gaze. The soundtrack is flawlessly fitting with its use of raucous and non-comforming punk acts like Peaches, FKA twigs and Mannequin Pussy.
While there’s a lot I can appreciate about the Perfect, it does tend to meander in its brief 94 minute runtime. Not much happens in the film’s middle of nowhere town; in fact Mallory and Kai’s budding romance is likely the most action the town has had to gossip about. With its vaguely eerie and post-apocalyptic setting, I was anticipating delving into a viewing experience complete with suspense or thriller elements, which might have provided for a more exciting ride. Mallory is a little mysterious, but not enigmatic, and her secrets revealed toward the latter half of the film are abrupt and somewhat predictable. Perfect stands a little wobbly on its structure, yet for a debut feature there is still charm surrounding its multi-faceted characters.
