Actor Clayton Farris, who portrays Terry in the horror film Weapons, has provided insights into why the character Aunt Gladys has gained a significant following among LGBTQ+ audiences.
The film, directed by Zach Cregger, follows a group of elementary school children who go missing during the night, leaving only their teacher, Justine (Julia Garner), and one student, Alex (Cary Christopher), behind.
Aunt Gladys and Her Appeal
Farris plays half of a gay couple alongside school principal Marcus (Benedict Wong), with Aunt Gladys (Amy Madigan) adding to the film’s complexity. The character has become notably popular, particularly recognized for her vibrant appearance, which includes bright red hair and teal glasses.
Farris shared his perspective on why Aunt Gladys resonates with queer audiences. He described her as a character shaped by adversity and highlighted the joy of seeing someone like Gladys embrace their true self, which reflects the desires of the queer community for self-acceptance.
Representation and Critique
The film contributes to a narrative where queer characters live fulfilling lives, as stated by Farris. He noted that the story does not center around their sexuality in a tragic context, which is often the case in mainstream media.
Concerns about the ‘Bury Your Gays’ trope have arisen regarding the treatment of characters Terry and Marcus. Farris acknowledged these concerns but emphasized the effectiveness of the narrative choices in terms of storytelling.
Following the film’s release, discussions about a potential prequel focused on Aunt Gladys have surfaced, with Cregger confirming he is in talks with Warner Bros. about the project.
