We Could Be Heroes

April 15, 2024
With this funny and fast-paced contemporary, Ellis (Love & Other Scams) makes the familiar story of a closeted movie star feel fresh. Action hero Patrick Lake is mired in constant reshoots for his second Captain Kismet film in Birmingham, England, when his costar’s insistence he visit a gay club leads to a viral photo of him doing poppers. Luckily, a friendly neighborhood drag queen, Grace Anatomy, pulled him from the club before the situation could escalate, but now Patrick is on damage control. Meanwhile, in trying to track down a possibly apocryphal issue of the Captain Kismet comic’s original run, he meets Will Wright, a used bookstore employee who does not initially disclose that he and Grace are one and the same. Will assumes Patrick’s requests to hang out just stem from loneliness until Patrick admits to being gay but not coming out to keep his career on track. After Will signs an NDA, the men embark on a tender secret relationship, using “straight-man drag,” Patrick’s stunt double, and Will’s boisterous found family to outwit the paparazzi. Flashbacks to 1949 and the creation of Captain Kismet by a husband-and-wife team in a lavender marriage unearth the hero’s hidden queer origins and show continuity in homophobic threats to careers. Ellis brings both wit and empathy to bear throughout and crafts characters readers will root for. This is a delight. Agent: Maria Whelan, InkWell Management.

Starred review from September 13, 2024

Action hero Patrick Lake has finally received attention and adoration from fans as well as major acting roles in Hollywood. His gorgeous looks, well-toned physique, and pleasant "boy next door" personality have earned him the nickname "America's boyfriend." But, when filming in England for his latest Captain Kismet film, he meets someone who would shock his fans and could derail his entire career. Bookseller Will Wright is just breaking into the drag queen scene when he saves Patrick from a group of fans at a club. Despite their apparent differences, the over-the-top performer and the shy actor find themselves attracted to each other and searching for ways to be together. Interspersed within are flashbacks to 1949, exploring the story of the queer creators of the original Captain Kismet comics. These flashbacks provide perspective on positive changes in attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ people while making it clear that this important work is long from complete. Narrator Elliot Fitzpatrick balances humor with gravity, expertly taking listeners from comedic scenes to more reflective moments. VERDICT Filled with meet-cutes, misunderstandings, and nervous feelings of first love, Ellis (Love & Other Scams) offers a delightful queer rom-com that addresses serious societal issues.--Lisa Youngblood

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