photo from Hot Docs
by Richelle Charkot
The phrase “the show must go on” rings in neon flashing lights throughout Johan Palmgren’s The Sex Temple. The Arbis is a Swiss theatre in near financial ruin, owned by Robin, a charismatic artist and drag queen who envisions his theatre as an LGBTQ paradise. After a nearby swingers club owned by a man named Christian is burned to the ground, Robin teams up with Christian and the two decide to convert the basement of the Arbis to a swingers club called Adam & Eva. Meanwhile the upstairs is made into a stage for a queer-friendly burlesque show. “This could be the Nordic Moulin Rouge!” Robin excitedly exclaims in a scene where the two hash out plans for the building. Quickly (as Robin predicts) moral panic hits the streets of Switzerland when word of future plans for the theatre seep out, leading several news sources to print and broadcast ridiculous smear pieces, potentially putting the clientele and owners in danger and serving to expose the deep-seated homophobia of the surrounding community.
The Sex Temple is laden with poignant scenes depicting the toxicity of fear mongering and features wonderful moments of people celebrating their true selves in a safe space. However, it suffers from some meandering pacing that makes the documentary occasionally feel a little unfocused. Who is the star of The Sex Temple? Is it Robin? Christian? The patrons? Or perhaps the theatre itself? Even with its flaws, this film manages to bring up an important point; everyone, specifically consenting adults, should feel allowed to openly express themselves sexually. The Sex Temple is also equipped with several detailed scenes of the burlesque performances that Robin orchestrates, which are so unbelievably intricate and look like so much fun that it is hard to not get goose-pimples while watching. Palmgren’s film comes remarkably close to being a seriously great piece of work, but could have benefited from perhaps some choice editing. Still, with that being said, The Sex Temple pretty much guarantees laughter, tears, and maybe even some blushing cheeks.
The Sex Temple screens this Sunday, May 8 as part of the Hot Docs International Film Festival at Hart House Theatre.