Today the one and only Alice Wu, legend of her own name, director and writer of a lesbian classic that needs no introduction Saving Face, director and writer of modern lesbian classic in the making Half of It, dropped this unassuming tweet:
Took a Sunday this past March to shoot a little thing for @oreo. Hope you like it… #LGBTQIA #lifelongally @PFLAG https://t.co/T9vm0bQWaI
— Alice Wu 伍思薇 (@thatalicewu) April 4, 2022
I am no stranger to the Gay Oreo Commercials That Make You Sob Through Your T-Shirt as a genre, if you will. The Oreo Gay Cinematic Universe, one might say. But to have one directed by an icon of our own community? Get the box of tissues and pull up!
I don’t want to spoil what comes next, but if you’re hoping to see all of what makes Alice Wu’s work so beloved: subtle, almost muted elegance behind the camera (and yes I recognize I’m talking about an Oreo commercial), tenderness, complex family dynamics, specificity to Chinese American and Asian diasporic communities that’s full of oh so much queer heart — even in 2 minutes and 30 seconds about “everyone’s favorite cookie” you will surely not be disappointed.
On Twitter, Wu described the project as “a true labor of love and a great team of people who made it” which — again, I know I know I’m talking about an Oreo commercial — but absolutely comes through. It’s almost stunning how much story and heart can come through in such a short period of time, and sure maybe I’ve always rolled my eyes (or desperately wanted, you don’t know my secret life) at the rainbow colored Oreo’s every June, but using corporate Pride to fund indie queer short films about coming out is kind of thing I’m willing to get behind.
It’s end of the day on a Monday, there’s a whole long week ahead. Alice Wu used an Oreo commercial to make you an unexpected queer film. Enjoy.