The Queen of My Dreams review – queer Muslim nostalgia-fest rattles along with fun and energy
- The story centers on Azra, a gay Pakistani Canadian, and her strained relationship with her mother, Mariam.
- Flashbacks reveal Mariam's vibrant past in Karachi and the family's immigration to Canada, highlighting cultural conflicts.
- The film combines humor and emotional depth, ultimately exploring themes of identity, nostalgia, and generational differences.
The film follows Azra, a young gay Pakistani Canadian aspiring actor, as she navigates her complex relationship with her mother, Mariam. Set in 1999 Toronto, Azra reflects on her childhood memories of watching the Indian musical Aradhana with her mother, revealing the strain in their current relationship. Mariam's disapproval of Azra's lifestyle contrasts sharply with her own vibrant past in 1960s Karachi, where she was a free-spirited young woman. Flashbacks to 1989 illustrate the family's immigration to Canada and Mariam's attempts to adapt to a new life, which includes her ambitions in Tupperware. The narrative culminates in a present-day crisis when Azra's father suffers a heart attack in Pakistan, prompting Azra to confront her family's history and her mother's transformation into a conservative figure. The film is characterized by humor and warmth, showcasing Azra's rebellious spirit and the generational tensions within immigrant families.