Cis dominant societies, like the one we live in, put queer identity as one that is perpetually in question. Who is Lady Camden, the Drag Race runner up, subject of Luke Willis’ new documentary Lady Like? Maybe it invites viewers to ask these questions subtly but it quickly answers that deep level question for us. Underneath Lady Camden is Rex Wheeler, still thinking about the kids who bullied him during his childhood in Camden Town, London. He and his dad keep missing each other but his mom makes time during his successful Drag Race run. He’s also someone who’s mourning his brother’s death to suicide, an event that rocked his world two decades prior.

This documentary reminds me of Beyonce’s wise words to her protege, Chloe Bailey – post stuff but don’t scroll. It’s easier to say this than do it because most entertainers want positive attention, especially from their fellow entertainers. This documentary, thankfully, eschews the queer doc trope of showing hateful posts from people who are anonymous and untalented. This is good in theory, but what if your haters are more successful queens from the show’s previous season? The initial dislike or indifference from Lady Camden is baffling knowing that those girls will eventually eat their words. Lady Like, for the most part, shows events as they happen instead of depicting them from the rearview mirror.

Lady Like‘s key moments are Lady Camden’s interview segments, although sometimes she reunites with her loved ones. We see her do facetime sessions with local Bay Area queens like Adriana Roy, Nia Politan and many more. This is simple enough as it is, but there are the occasional bells distracting from an otherwise simple format. As much as I love listening to Nina West, did we need her narrating some fictional fantasy storybook sequences? The documentary also begins with scenes where Lady Camden coexists with a younger version of himself (Shiloh Brody-Clarke). Artistically ambitious, sure, but those scenes are confusing and feel like filler to reach a running time above 85 minutes.

Sure, Lady Like has its share of distractions, but thankfully, the documentary knows when to return to intimate moments. Lady Camden’s reunion with her mother at the airport felt poignant without coming off as too dramatic a moment. It also gives off the same intimacy as she works hard, shuffling from one glamorous photo shoot to another. And yes, there are the typical mirror scenes where she puts on makeup or takes said makeup off. Her insights, which she obviously reveals during these scenes, touch on what it’s like for her identities to meld. But still, as she reveals her vulnerabilities, she reminds us why she’s one of the later seasons’ fan favourites.

Lady Like is available to buy, rent, or stream.