There are ample reasons that this 1974 Brazilian drama is on the Kino Cult imprint instead of the general Kino Lorber label. Drug pushers, low-class favelas, inimitable ‘70s grindhouse style, queer culture, and buckets of violence call out for viewers ready for a challenging, rollicking ride. There’s not much plot development, focusing solely on the constant, violent palace drama of usurpers seeking to unseat the local drug lord, but the film is oozing with personality and characters that intrigue before they even speak.
Buy The Devil QueenRio de Janeiro’s drug scene is ruled by Diaba (Milton Goncalves), a bloodthirsty femme kingpin who fully embraces his bold moniker of “Devil Queen” because his name is similar to Diablo and he’s, well, a queen. Always rocking heavy, colorful eyeshadow and vibrant attire, he’s a flamboyant but ominous presence surrounded by a coterie of yes men who secretly plot behind his back. When a young upstart gets conned into taking a run at the throne by a scheming veteran lieutenant, the catalyst event sets off a cascading series of reprisals that threaten to eliminate the entire criminal enterprise.
As each henchman enters the screen, they communicate so much simply by their eccentric appearance that no character development is required, with all of them materializing fully formed. They’re a fascinating bunch of degenerates, so much so that the film barely moves from a few interior sets based in the favelas. With little regard for human decency or safety, the characters pinball haphazardly around their doomed kingdom as they all try to grab riches before their time runs out. Director Antonio Carlos da Fontoura captures their antics with aplomb, archiving an thrillingly incomparable moment in Brazilian cinematic history.
The new 4K digital transfer was sourced from the original 35mm negatives in Brazil, along with a 35mm exhibition copy used for reference. It has not been thoroughly restored, retaining a fair amount of grit and grime to announce its grindhouse bona fides. However, the undersaturated colors, focus, and frame stability remain consistent throughout the film. DTS mono sound is passable. While there are no bonus features about the film, the disc includes an audio commentary track by a film scholar, along with a re-release trailer and an alternate trailer. Somewhat unique for a Kino release, the package also includes a booklet featuring an introduction by Kleber Mendonca Filho (The Secret Agent), an interview with the director, and notes from the trailer cutter.
