My Take:
Imagine a group of friends from Tel Aviv who are fed up with the grind and political tension. By pure chance, they record a song for a Eurovision-style contest (Universong) and to their own shock… they end up representing their country! This is a film about the power of friendship, being true to yourself, and breaking barriers in the most glittery way possible. It’s pure joy dressed in pastel colors.
What's Captivating: The positive energy. The relationships between the characters, including a lesbian couple, are shown with great warmth and zero unnecessary drama. The music is catchy, and the final performance is an absolute display of queer pride and optimism. It’s the ultimate "feel-good movie."
A Word of Caution: The film is intentionally campy and naive at times. If you’re looking for heavy social commentary or a realistic drama, you won't find it here. It’s a fairy tale meant to put a smile on your face.
Verdict: 7.5/10 🧁🌈
The most colorful film in the ranking. Perfect for a night in with friends and… a box of cupcakes!
🔍 Did you know...?
Director Eytan Fox is one of the most prominent figures in Israeli queer cinema (the creator of the cult hit Yossi & Jagger). With Cupcakes, he wanted to move away from politics and sadness to create a tribute to the colorful 1970s and song contests. The costumes are so meticulously designed that each character has their own unique signature color, giving the production an aesthetic reminiscent of Wes Anderson in a disco version.
