If we have learned anything from superheroes, it’s that “with great power comes great responsibility.” In the new genre-defying, gender non-conforming, sex-positive metaphysical comedy Holy Trinity, we see the lesson learned the hard way with a healthy sidebar on the importance of self-care as well. We also see a wild mix of absolute genius and fumbles that happen when fresh talent is allowed the luxury of making a mistake or two. Writer-director and star Molly Hewitt here delivers their first feature with the ragged talent and raw energy of a badass punk filmmaker, and we are here for it.
Let’s be clear. Trinity (Hewitt) really had no business borrowing their roommate’s can of “room cleanser” in order to huff it for a quick high, but they did. Soon they hears voices. No, girl, not like that. It starts with Trinity’s partner, Baby (Theo Germaine). While high on cleanser fumes, Trinity can hear Baby’s dead father talking to them from the grave. Weird, right? It only gets crazier as Trinity seeks the help of Tarot reader Laura the Witch (Laura Gonzalez), a Madonna-obsessed priest (Alex Grelle), and an energy healer to figure out just what to do with this burgeoning psychic talent. It isn’t until Trinity is servicing one of their regular clients, or submissives, in their day job as a dominatrix that the talent begins to pay off. As one client sits waiting to be consensually humiliated, the ghost of their dead loved ones spills secrets and insults for Trinity to use and CA-CHING! Money in the bank! If only things stayed that simple.
“Populated but implausibly bizarre yet wonderfully sincere characters, we easily buy into the candy-colored absurdity…”
Trinity’s talent grows faster than they can control it, and before long, they can actually see the dead trying to communicate to their loved ones from beyond. One social media post later, and our dear Trinity is the talk of the town, not to mention the after-life. Trying to break the habit of huffing, and unable to sleep due to the chorus of voices reaching out to them, things begin to crumble. Will dear Trinity find balance in such a crazy situation?
Hewitt introduces us to the multicolored queer community of pups, doms, subs, queens, and gender fluidity with gleeful abandon and affirmation. The script does sputter on occasion, with some sequences glowing while others feel excessive. Yet, there is more to enjoy than to endure. The enthusiasm from the production is infectious, with high praise going to the prismatic production design by Mood Killer and savage hair and makeup from Catherine Woods. Of course, we must give a special mention to Imp Queen whose every look in the movie left us gagging. Those lashes though.
I loved the affirming, supportive world that Trinity, Baby, Imp Queen, and the gang live in as the spiritual farce unfolds around them. Populated but implausibly bizarre yet wonderfully sincere characters, we easily buy into the candy-colored absurdity of Holy Trinity because having the support of your found family, even if you are huffing fumes, is the most important thing of all.
"…Trinity's talent grows faster than she can control it..."
