Seriously Red (Film Review)

Beloved for her big hair and even bigger heart, Dolly Parton has carved a career as a singer, actress, philanthropist, and all-round icon. She is an inspiration to millions, including the protagonist of Krew Boylan's new romantic comedy, Seriously Red.

Screenwriter and main character, Krew Boylan is naïve Australian realtor Raylene “Red” Delaney. Red is named for her fire-coloured hair and leads a humdrum existence of property valuation and pen-pushing. That is until she slips into a bleach blonde wig and a denim jumpsuit to transform into her muse, the Smoky Mountain Songbird. The higher the hair, the closer to God, and Red is positively heavenly.

Hopeless daydreamer Red is a disappointment to her exasperated mum (Jean Kittson) and the workplace laughingstock. Not that Red stands a chance with such conniving acquaintances: supposed best friend Francis (Thomas Campbell) cruelly pranks her into thinking the office party is fancy dress. Cue abject humiliation as she struts into the Presley Property soiree dolled up as Ms Parton.

Presley by name, Presley by nature—the bash features a high-profile Elvis impersonator, ‘EP' (Rose Byrne in a fabulous cameo as the brooding crooner. Move over, Austin Butler). Not content with spending her life putting money in the boss man's wallet, Red quits her career in real estate. With the world at her cowboy boots, Red embarks on a career as a professional Dolly Parton tribute act.

Encouraged by Byrne's Elvis, Red makes connections with music moguls Teeth (Celeste Barber) and Wilson (Bobby Cannavale) before touring the world as the Queen of Country.

In a twist of fate at Australia's Tamworth Country Music Festival, she falls for Kenny Rogers—an impersonator who is the real deal from his shaggy haircut down to his deed poll document. This pairing burn bright and fast, highlighting why the real-life Backwoods Barbie and Ken never dated. With the two performers never seeing the real people underneath the make-up, this is more a business relationship than true love.

The lack of support from friends and family cuts deep, but Red seems to have found her calling in life. No longer the clumsy and awkward Raylene Delaney, she oozes wit and warmth as a Dolly impersonator.

Of course, it cannot all be sunshine and flowers—Red also weathers storms of self-doubt and toxic relationships on her journey to authenticity. Realising she has everything she needs inside of her, Red decides that her role of the great pretender has to come to an end. Boylan conveys that moment of realisation brilliantly, but it feels like a disservice to not show the thought process that led to Red calling time on her dream.

At just 94 minutes, there is room for another scene to tie up those loose ends. Having said that, Dolly fans will likely understand that Red's change of heart is inspired by the wise words of The Queen of Nashville herself: “Don't get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”

Clearly a special project to the multi-talented Krew Boylan, Seriously Red is a riotous journey of self-discovery. It is a reminder to pour yourself a cup of ambition and do what makes your heart sing.

Just like Dolly Parton: Raylene Delaney, you will always be famous.

Seriously Red is released on digital platforms by Signature Entertainment on February 13th.