Some hanky-panky and violence – heed the video’s opening!

D.E.B.S. (2003) dir. Angela Robinson

Happy Pride, everybody! This is not the time to make bold, controversial statements, but perhaps depictions of LGBTQ+ characters have changed over the years. Twenty years ago writer/director  Angela Robinson felt the need to attach a preamble warning of/promising content for “people who like to watch chicks shoot guns and make out.” One senses an instinct to clothe the unapologetic lesbianism in humor, a new-century entry in the traditions of camp. And on that front there’s tons of silly character details to love, like Dominique’s constant cigarette (even in scuba gear in the opening credits) or Max’s hardcore accoutrement including a tiny noose in her locker. Or ZAZ-type sight gags, e.g. everyone’s secret envelope is delivered to them in public with the secret society’s name prominently marked on the front.

Incidentally, “D.E.B.S” looks a bit like a young adult show that could have aired on the same network as The Pink Opaque, the show-within-a-show in I Saw the TV Glow. Jane Schoenbrun’s feature isn’t limited to queer readings, but it’s undeniably made with queer experience as a forethought, and is a much deeper consideration of hidden identities than as plot material for a sly Charlie’s Angels spoof. A wide-release dark vision is not inherently superior to Robinson’s indie froth. But it’s great to live in a time with both options.

Robinson made this into a feature version the next year, presumably with the credits consisting of less than 30% of the runtime, but hopefully retaining the Garbage song that accompanies them.