‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Resurrection’ Review

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains some spoilers for 'The Boulet Brothers' Dragula: Resurrection'.

When we think of the horror genre, in just about any capacity, a certain structure comes to the top of our minds. One that involves a well-crafted story about a specific monster, that likely has to say something about modern society. Alongside thoughts about what kind of gory moments could come about from whatever monster is being featured in said story, simply because splatter and gore are synonymous with this genre as well. But while it is a wonderful thing that such a structure immediately comes to our minds when we ponder upon the genre, since it speaks volumes to how horror has engrained itself in our everyday lives and pop culture, the fact of the matter; is that this genre has grown into so much more. 

Because not only is it now regarded highly by scholars and beloved by fans everywhere, the wonder of what it stands for has snuck its way into performance art and for proof… well then look no further than what the Boulet Brothers are doing right now. For their Dragula series demonstrates that people are eager to find new ways to celebrate horror and what it means to them and after providing us with three seasons of this dynamic, horror-themed drag competition, the Boulet Brothers have opted to take their competition to a whole new level on Shudder, by way of the newly released special; The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Resurrection. A competition that brings former contestants back to the show one more time, in order to duke it out for twenty grand and a shot at appearing on season four of the series and well… this is quite the incredible special when all is said and done, for so many reasons. 

Such as the fact that this particular competition, offers up some outright incredible characters for certain. Because each of the contestants showcased here, have been working hard at honing their skills after their original appearance on the show, and go all out in here with their inventions, since there is so much on the line. Which benefits the audience for certain, since they are treated to some ridiculously good, professional level monsters. The kind that will straight up haunt your nightmares and that alone is a wonderful reason to tune into this special. Just to see how far the contestants are willing to go in order to invent a memorable and haunting character and it’s just wild to see what kinds of top tier creations come to life over the course of this competition and truly, the wonder of horror doesn’t end with the quality creatures that are showcased here. 

Because what’s truly impressive about these creations, is that a great many of them have their own depth and meaning to the performers. The kind that at times, are relevant to our world and the struggles and fears that we are facing in the moment. Which is why Priscilla Chambers’ ghostly character has such gravity and power, since it speaks to the Black Lives Matter movement and the importance of respecting Trans lives and Black Trans lives as well. Plus, Loris was able to bring life to a type of vampire that plays upon our current fears of the Covid pandemic and it was just quite amazing to see that the social commentary that horror thrives upon has found its way into drag. Something that speaks to the power of said commentary and how horror reaches us on a fundamental level and it is just wonderful to know that these performers are eager to tackle our fears and put them front and center by way of their performances.

But what truly makes this particular special so worth our while and so special, is that we are able to get to know the performers on a supremely personal level. Because every last one of them take the time open up to us and tell us of their struggles and their journey and how drag and the pieces they’re putting together in this special, have helped them heal and face some personal fears. Which makes for some powerful moments for certain, the kind that are downright inspirational at times. Take Kendra Onixxx’s journey for instance. Since she is determined to use fire in this competition once again, years after suffering severe burns in a fire related performance accident and well, it takes guts to do something like that. Especially knowing full well that something could go wrong once more and it is quite powerful to see her attack that fear head on, and see the other contestants work through their own fears and internal strife by way of their horrifying creations. 

If anything, this is simply a brilliant horror special when all is said and done. Simply because it speaks to the evolution of the genre and how it now belongs to everyone and it also reminds us, that it should be celebrated often since it offers more than jump scares and buckets of blood. For it is about healing,  it examines our world and it is also about outright fun, since you cannot help but smile, when you see iconic monsters on display. But most important of all, this is a special that also helps to teach us that drag, is art. The kind that is carefully curated by passionate individuals that want to entertain and create and well, this is a special that you need to enjoy as soon as possible. So, please, log onto Shudder and celebrate the wonder of horror with the Boulet Brothers and some brilliant artists.

‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Resurrection’ is streaming now on Shudder.

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