For a debut feature So Vam served as a platform for Alice Maio Mackay to find her feet in the directing field and provide a voice among the transgender community. Her sophomore feature, Bad Girl Boogey would give the swagger to amplify Mackay’s creative vision. Now with her third outing T Blockers, Mackay hits her stride, packing in all her learnings thus far and fusing it all together with the same raw, guerilla approach to the storytelling.

This time around Mackay takes the theme of ostracisation by the jugular and exposes the truth behind the veil of hypocrisy that society or specific members therein feel they can hide behind to spout their archaic views. The main arrow slung though is towards a certain demographic among the cisgender population who hold rigid views on gender itself and through fear or violation feel the necessity to haunt or ridicule anyone who doesn’t fit their ideal mould. Telling indicators to this are embedded through the camp humour that Mackay utilises to convey her message citing JF Rowling and Andrew Tate in particular.

Propping up the intro and acting as a narrator at points throughout is a delightful nod to horror veteran Elvira, with a LGBTQIA+ flavour, casting Drag Race Down Under queen Etcetera Etcetera to tantalise the audience with witty and philosophical rhetoric.

We’re then pivoted into a world where the susceptible and those who feed off the fear inherently built up in society are prey to an ancient parasite and the more it consumes, the more hatred is then thrust back into the world. A young trans filmmaker, Sophie (Lauren Last) is struggling with their transition but discovers that they have an ability to sense those who have become possessed. Together with her bestie, Spencer (Lewi Dawson) and fellow members of the newly formed resistance, take on the threat and battle their way against the fray.

The Prognosis:

Each time they deliver, Mackay makes you sit up and take notice. Her fresh direct approach to storytelling is all the more significant as Mackay takes her own personal experiences to connect, unite and in some cases awaken a community. Plus you can tell that they are having a ball in the process, harnessing their skills and growing in strength in all areas of their creativity. This feels like their most personal story yet, but you can tell there is a lot more to come. I can’t wait to see more of Mackay’s journey behind the lens.

• Saul Muerte

T Blockers will be available on VOD and DVD through Umbrella Entertainment from March 20.