Parents' Guide to

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Drag queens drive funny, tender, but mature musical.

Movie R 1994 104 minutes
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Kikkikaboom
Kikkikaboom Parent
January 24, 2019
age 14+

Priscilla- what a gem

Yes, lots of swearing, lots of homosexual and sex references and some violence but it’s in context and it’s super fun. This is a great, balanced film full of nuance and sensitivity about the LGBTi community. We watched it for family film night with our mature 12 year old, and he really enjoyed it. We did pause and discuss a lot throughout, there was a lot to discuss in terms of themes of sexuality and acceptance, ‘people on the outside or margins’ like Aboriginal people, not just the queer community. We fast forwarded the stripper ping-pong scene, that is for a much older age group. There is some thug violence. Lots of swearing, baudy jokes and some drinking. However, it is fun and packed with music, great pageantry and lots of amusement. I don’t know how this is R rated on some websites, 15 maybe.
Felicia M.
Felicia M. Adult
April 23, 2018
age 13+

Why did you guys rate it R???

I've seen the musical on the Norwegian Epic, and it was the best show in the herstory of drag shows!!! It should be about PG!!! Not R! Please, guys, don't "drag" them down!!! I hereby Christen this budget Barbie camper van, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert!!!!! I mean, why why why why whyyyyyyyy would you rate this R???????????????????? I DON'T CARE WHY SOMEONE RATED THIS MOVIE as R, but it is the best drag queeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn movieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't really care what IMDb really said what Cynthia did to pop those ping pong balls, but it's really rude to say that Cynthia is not allowed to pop ping pong balls. It's her job, you know!!! Long live Pop Musik!!!
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

When drag queen Tick (Hugo Weaving) gets a call to perform in a small town, he collects two friends -- another drag queen (Guy Pearce) and a transsexual named Bernadette (Terence Stamp) -- to go along for the ride. They cross the Outback of Australia in a beat-up RV. Their outrageous clothing and behavior attracts plenty of attention -- both good and bad -- and they end up making a few friends and enemies along the way. When the RV breaks down, they meet a mechanic named Bob (Bill Hunter), who ends up riding along with them and getting close to Bernadette. Along the way, the friends learn that Tick plans to meet his secret wife at the destination, and after the arrival, everyone's in for a big surprise.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (2 ):

This tender, sympathetic film includes some incredible acting, quirky characters, and gorgeous costumes (for which it won an Oscar). Terence Stamp portrays the transsexual Bernadette with strength and humanity, creating a film that goes deeper than the crinoline, makeup, and colorful musical numbers. Stamp and his costars ultimately tell a tale of acceptance -- of difference, of others, and of oneself. Some of the dialogue is particularly snippy and mean in a rather clichéd interpretation of gay male discourse, but the strengths of the film outweigh its weaknesses.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the main character's feelings about himself. Why do you think he was so anxious about going to Alice Springs? How did he change after he arrived? What lessons did others teach him about himself?

  • Talk about the trio's relationships with each other. Why do you think they were so mean to each other? How did that change over time?

  • Do you think this portrayal of homosexuals is positive or negative? Does it promote understanding or stereotypes (or both)?

Movie Details

  • In theaters: August 10, 1994
  • On DVD or streaming: March 28, 2000
  • Cast: Guy Pearce , Hugo Weaving , Terence Stamp
  • Director: Stephan Elliott
  • Inclusion Information: Gay directors
  • Studio: MGM/UA
  • Genre: Drama
  • Run time: 104 minutes
  • MPAA rating: R
  • MPAA explanation: sex-related situations and language
  • Last updated: April 2, 2023

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