When news of The Vivienne’s passing broke at the start of this year, it felt like the world stopped for a moment. Some of us grieved for a star we watched on Drag Race, while others mourned a loved one gone far too soon. But the thing about grief is that it doesn’t happen in a straight line, and feelings of devastation can be followed by admiration for all The Vivienne (known as James Lee Williams out of drag) gave us.
That’s exactly what Dear Viv, a new documentary about their extraordinary life, captures so beautifully. Through its candid interviews and celebratory nods to their endless achievements,the hour-long film from World of Wonder and the BBC balances sorry with celebration. It reminds us of the overwhelming amount of joy they brought to everyone who knew, met or watched them – and that feels like exactly the point.
The Vivienne lived their life as an open book, bravely sharing their battles with addiction while dazzling the world with their art, so anything less from Dear Viv would have felt like an injustice. Instead, it’s a fitting tribute that is a captivating celebration of their impact, and also a message that you can achieve anything if you stick to their simple philosophy: “See it, believe it, and work your effing ass off to get it.”
That determination made them the first-ever winner of Drag Race UK, and the only international queen to compete on the franchise’s first all-winners season. Footage from The Vivienne’s time on the show feels intimate, and adds a personal touch to an already vulnerable documentary. Interviews with the likes of Cheryl, Baga Chipz and Raja are among Dear Viv’s hardest but most vital moments to watch, as each story told is yet another reminder of the love, admiration and respect The Vivienne inspired across the global drag community – and how deeply their absence will be felt.
Perhaps most striking, though, is the film’s unflinching honesty about The Vivienne’s struggle with ketamine. Through previously unseen Drag Race confessional footage and interviews with loved ones, we learn more about how the drug impacted their life, underscoring the urgent need for awareness, education and action. This feels like a continuation of The Vivienne’s legacy that they would be proud of as, despite leaving us far too soon, their story will undoubtedly inspire others and save lives in the process.
Ultimately, Dear Viv is more than just a documentary – it’s a love letter to our beloved queen The Vivienne. It honours their impact on drag and musical theatre, but also serves as a fitting goodbye to them. The episode keeps their voice at the forefront, celebrating all that they achieved, and ensuring that we all learn the important lessons their passing taught us. Dear Viv isn’t the end of The Vivienne’s story, but a reminder that their legacy will last forever.