Give Me Pity! made its U.S. premiere at Fantastic Fest in a blaze of song and color. Sissy St. Claire (Sophie von Haselberg, Pose) is a true diva of the airwaves who is starring in her own prime time television special. It is a platform for her to showcase her various talents while also delivering a message of hope to her audience. But fiction and reality begin to blur as a shadowy presence stalks her.
Things get off to a fabulous start with a musical number that is a throwback to variety shows of the past. It is energetic and catchy and does a great job of drawing audiences in. Those who are old enough to remember these types of specials will get a kick out of what they are seeing while those unfamiliar will be introduced to something entirely new.
The driving force behind Give Me Pity! is its multi-talented star. The daughter of uber diva Bette Midler, von Hasleberg eases into the role of Sissy St. Claire. Everything comes to her effortlessly and she absolutely owns the role as the troubled star. As amazing a job as von Hasleberg does in the singing and dancing segments, it is her acting that is the real standout. This includes some monologues that could come off as boring or pretentious in the wrong hands. This is a top notch acting job that shows a range of emotions and talents while also giving a view inside the head of the character.
The performance does not carry Give Me Pity! by itself, however. Filmmaker Amanda Kramer has put together a stylish film that is visually stunning without ever being overpowering. Using soft focus and coloring, the film looks like it is something out of another decade. When Sissy tries to deal with the stalker, the screen glitches, adding uncertainty to the proceedings.
![[Fantastic Fest '22] 'Give Me Pity!' review: Surreal look at identity and fear](https://i0.wp.com/aiptcomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/givemepity.jpg?resize=740%2C555&ssl=1 "givemepity")
This is where the movie truly excels. Audiences never can be sure what is truly happening and what is made up. Insecurity and the need to be adored are the two biggest themes in Give Me Pity! Sissy is constantly addressing what she needs and what she wants, and the two are often interchangeable. This effortlessly bleeds into the story and makes for an unexpectedly deep watch.
By the time the titular finale begins, Sissy and the viewer have been taken on an exhausting ride. There has been talk of romance, love, and affection mixed with an unhealthy desire for it all. For the audience, it is more clear what is troubling the star and why her stalker is tormenting her. The problem is, Sissy still may not have clue.
Give Me Pity! is screening at Fantastic Fest
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