Dec 23

Dec 23 Review: The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Special

This piece originally ran inside Twin Cities Gay Scene magazine.

The timeless art of a good TV holiday special or Christmas movie is something we look forward to all year long. However, such queer entertainment is few and far between. Thankfully, things are changing this year; from Clea DuVall’s lesbian Christmas movie Happiest Season, to Ryan Murphy’s timely release of the camp musical The Prom. Not to be left out, Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme’s The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Special shines through as an instant classic. Speaking to DeLa before the release of the film, the director mentioned how proud she was to have this as the first film under her production company BenDeLaCreme Presents. This special largely exists because due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the pair were unable to put on their annual holiday tour this year.

While DeLa wakes up refreshed and excited in a technicolor bedroom, Jinkx wakes up on the floor next to dirty underwear and… The Naked Guy. Really, that’s his name. It’s funny to watch DeLa and Jinkx contrast one another at their vanities as well, where DeLa resets her makeup and Jinkx shakily puts in an old retainer through smudged lipstick.

DeLa sends Jinkx a text asking if they should put on a holiday special this year, to which Jinkx declines. They both leave their adjoining apartments to meet face to face on a large soundstage, Jinkx not so pleased, but DeLa chipper as ever. Hilarious jokes ensue. “Jesus is here?” Jinkx asks. Ominously, DeLa replies, “He’s everywhere!”

The sharp contrast between the two personalities works brilliantly. DeLa censors the dirty words about to come out of Jinkx’s mouth, and later Jinkx remains by the bar hiccuping through her verse. DeLa evokes nostalgic memories of the past while Jinkx is more forward-thinking, but the personality differences are far from the only things that make the special work; the colorful set design, the brilliant writing and the impeccable directing by BenDeLaCreme herself are just a few ways this special soars.

The jokes are fresh, the music is fresh, and every moment feels like a queer revelation. Plus, it can’t be stressed enough how needed something like this was for our community this year. Besides digital drag brunches and promises of more RuPaul’s Drag Race in the new year, our community was lacking something with the budget and spirit this has. Not to mention we’ve been lacking it for a long time, as one fails to recall a comparable film existing before now.

The music benefits from both stars having released studio work before, and touring non-stop since their appearances on Drag Race. The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Special soundtrack is dynamic, well-sung, soon-to-be-classic, and camp. The hip-hop-infused “Santa Fa-La-La” is a standout. The soundtrack — available separately — is just what we need in the dark of this global pandemic.

Speaking of which, the COVID-19 pandemic is only mentioned sparingly, which allows the special to exist in a more timeless space that feels refreshing and lacks the weight we’ve all been carrying around. However, DeLa confirmed to Scene that the cast and crew quarantined before filming this during the pandemic, and followed strict protocols, which is great.

Although the pair will undoubtedly continue their successful tours once it is possible, it feels like BenDeLaCreme Presents is just beginning. It would be a shame if she didn’t direct more films in the future.

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Special is now streaming on Hulu.