The Thank You Girls poster
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The Thank You Girls

The Thank You Girls  ·  2009, Philippines
8.0
4,429 ratings
1
Film
0
Watchlisted
● Completed 🕑 2009

A group of gays is on a road trip in search of a beauty contest crown. Constantly losing in a beauty contest in their city, five young cross-dressers and their elderly gay manager travel to the province hoping to lure…

Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Episodes
Reviews (4)

In the vibrant indie film 'The Thank You Girls' (2009), a motley crew of five young cross-dressers from a small Philippine city—perpetually losing their local beauty pageants—decides to chase a crown elsewhere. Accompanied by their sassy, aging gay manager, they pile into a rickety van and hit the road for a provincial contest that promises glory, cash, and perhaps a taste of respect. Their journey is a riot of sequined mishaps, stolen goods (one of them has a kleptomania streak), and heartfelt moments that defy cliché. This isn't just a drag-queen road trip; it's a raw, tender exploration of found family, dreams on a budget, and the resilience of queer joy in a conservative world. With sharp humor, musical interludes, and a touch of drama, the film mixes campy comedy with genuine emotion. As they navigate prejudice, property theft, and personal demons, these unlikely friends discover that winning isn't about the crown—it's about the sisterhood you build along the way.

Episode data is coming soon.

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queer_roadtrip_fan
August 2024
9/10
I stumbled upon this little gem and I'm so glad I did. The chemistry between the five cross-dressers and their manager is pure magic—it's chaotic, funny, and truly heartfelt. The road trip feels like a love letter to chosen family. Romance is subtle but sweet, and the ending left me misty-eyed. Highly recommend for anyone craving authentic queer stories.
IC
indie_critic_mind
March 2025
6/10
I appreciate what this film tries to do, but the pacing drags in the middle and some plot points (like the kleptomania subplot) feel underdeveloped. The acting is raw but occasionally uneven. Still, the cultural context and the brave representation of cross-dressers in 2009 Philippines deserves respect. Not perfect, but an important piece of cinema.
CE
cinematic_eyes_ph
November 2024
8/10
The Thank You Girls is a visual treat despite its low budget. The handheld camera work captures the gritty provincial roads and the glittery chaos of backstage pageants beautifully. The color grading leans warm and nostalgic. I loved the musical numbers—they're awkward yet charming, exactly like the characters. A must-watch for fans of indie aesthetics.
SR
social_reflector
January 2025
7/10
As a sociologist and queer viewer, I found the film's depiction of cross-dressers in a conservative society both authentic and problematic at times. The characters are fleshed out but some jokes rely on stereotypes. Still, the underlying message about dignity and dreams is powerful. It's a product of its time, and I appreciate the honest look at mental health (kleptomania) within the LGBTQ+ community.