“She’s a lesbian, she’s in space, and she’s also a princess” – SXSW London 2025: Lesbian Space Princess Review
After scooping the prestigious Teddy Award at this year’s Berlin Film Festival and being selected as part of the official competition at Annecy Film Festival 2025, there’s an undeniable buzz surrounding this animated sci-fi musical comedy. Unsurprisingly, Australia-based queer writer-directors Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese’s feature debut was also the first film chosen by the SXSW London Screen Festival team as part of their international line-up, and if the laugh-out-loud reaction from the crowd was anything to go by at the UK premiere, this will undoubtedly go down a storm on it’s wider release.
Lesbian Space Princess follows introverted Princess Saira (voiced by Shabana Azeez) – unfortunately voted as the “most boring royal” – who has been unceremoniously dumped by her super cool ex-girlfriend, bounty hunter Kiki (voiced by Bernie Van Tiel). “She’s a lesbian, she’s in space, and she’s also a princess – oh, and she’s very sad” a musical interlude title screen informs us, quickly establishing the film’s hilarious tone and quirky vibe.
However, Saira’s life is about to be turned upside down as she soon receives a call from her ex informing her that she’s been kidnapped by the villainous Straight While Maliens (voiced by comedy trio, Aunty Donna.) The princess has a mere 24 hours to conjure up the ransom – her powerful royal weapon, the labrys axe – to rescue Kiki. Saira’s inter-gay-lactic journey across the universe sees her navigate dangerous planets, problematic space crafts and charming gay-pop idols (Gemma Chua-Tran.)
© We Made A Thing Studios
Hobbs and Varghese wonderfully reclaim this type of quirky coming-of-age tale through a queer lens, resulting in a hilarious and imaginative slice of sci-fi comedy with a charming tale of self-love at its heart. While the film does feature overly familiar story beats and character arcs – borrowing heavily from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (even down to gaining the “Power of Self-Respect” weapon) – the musical misadventures and amusing side quests more than make up for the well-worn elements.
With a witty script packed with amusing gags which play with tropes and stereotypes, paired with clever visual comedy peppered throughout, there’s plenty of laughs provided along the way. The long-running gags revolving around Planet Clitopolis being hard to find, along with the straight white maliens (especially when trying to explain the rules of a card game), are certainly on-the-nose, but also entertaining. The humour certainly won’t be for everyone though, and the onslaught of gags do begin to wear a little thin towards the end.
Azeez is excellent as Princess Saira, bringing a relatability and nuance to the leading role as she confronts her anxiety as she leaves the safety of the gay-laxy and heads into “straight space”. It certainly helps that she’s a hugely endearing protagonist who you can’t help but root for. Her evolving dynamic with the chauvinistist spaceship (voiced by Richard Roxburgh) is also a charming addition, along with the guitar strumming, gay-pop musician Willow (Chua-Tran).
© We Made A Thing Studios
The vibrant and often bubblegum palette incorporated throughout the 2D animation wonderfully brings the numerous planets, characters and gloom goo of this off-the-wall universe to life. While the animation is particularly reminiscent of Rick and Morty, Adventure Time and other Cartoon Network offerings, there’s an added unpolished scrappy charm to it. Eagle eyed viewers will also be treated to entertaining little details peppered throughout, including the amusing DVD titled “Raiders of the Lost Dyke” and Saira’s “live, laugh, lesbian” banner.
The recurring visual representation of anxiety and self doubt – not unlike the Void in Thunderbolts – is also a well worked addition, with its tar-like consuming goo oozing and towering over Saira, along with its creepy white eyes. But the cherry on top is the musical element, with several amusing musical title cards and Willow’s excellent interludes, along with tracks from Adelaide-based rock band Stabbitha And The Knifey Wifeys, (now where can we find the soundtrack?)
Lesbian Space Princess is a riotously fun and fresh inter-gay-lactic musical quest, packed with plenty of bonkers side missions and clever satire. While there are undoubtedly some overly-familiar story beats, the vibrant animation, quirky music and heartfelt message of loving yourself more than makes up for the shortcomings. It’s also a refreshing take on the sci-fi coming-of-age tale, that’s clearly been made by – and for – queer people.