Lesbian Space Princess Review: A New Classic

Lesbian Space Princess is a hilarious and heartfelt animated adventure that mixes absurd comedy with a surprisingly touching message of self-discovery.

Beneath the absurd premise and rapid-fire jokes, Lesbian Space Princess is about learning to embrace yourself, flaws and all, even if that means saving your ex from a gang of incels in space.

The story follows Saira (voiced by Shabana Azeez), an introverted space princess nursing a broken heart after being dumped by her girlfriend Kiki (voiced by Bernie Van Tiel) for being “too needy.” Just when Saira thinks things can’t get any worse, she receives a distress call from none other than Kiki, who’s been kidnapped by a group of forgotten incels known as the Straight White Maliens. The ransom? The royal Labrys, one of the most powerful weapons known to lesbian kind. There’s only one problem: Saira doesn’t have it. With just 24 hours to save her ex, Saira embarks on a mission that forces her to confront strange alien worlds, unexpected allies, and her own crippling self-doubt.

From the very beginning, Lesbian Space Princess makes it clear that subtlety is not on the menu. And thank godness for that. The movie thrives on its absurd premise and sharp humor, fully leaning into its ridiculousness without ever losing sight of its emotional core. One of the film’s biggest strengths is its confident embrace of campy comedy, packed with clever wordplay and pointed cultural references.

Take, for example, the introduction of the ship Saira hitches a ride on, aptly named “the Problematic Ship” (voiced by Richard Roxburgh, of Elvis). It’s funny because he’s constantly trying (and failing) to sound progressive while blurting out outdated, cringeworthy takes. The joke works so well because of how casually it’s delivered, blending sharp satire with the kind of awkward sincerity that’s painfully familiar. It’s the kind of joke that works because of how casually it’s dropped into conversation, and it had me laughing out loud. Then there’s Clitopolis, a planet described as “famously hard to find… unless you know what you’re doing.” These kinds of jokes land perfectly, striking a balance between clever and playful without feeling forced.

But the real comedic gold comes from the Straight White Maliens, who are easily the film’s most hilarious addition. Every scene with them had me in tears from laughter. The satire here is biting, poking fun at toxic masculinity and entitlement without ever feeling preachy. The Maliens are the perfect mix of ridiculous and terrifying, making them memorable antagonists that serve as both a comedic foil and a real threat.

Despite the film’s constant barrage of jokes, its heart lies in Saira’s journey. What starts as a mission to win back her ex quickly becomes a story about learning to be comfortable in her own skin. The filmmakers smartly weave in moments of vulnerability between the chaos, allowing Saira’s growth to feel earned. By the end of her adventure, Saira is no longer the insecure princess we met at the beginning; she’s confident, capable, and fully herself. It’s a message that hits home, especially for anyone who’s struggled with self-doubt and the feeling of not being “enough.”

Of course, not every joke lands as hard. Some moments feel a bit too on-the-nose, and the film’s particular brand of humor might alienate certain audiences, particularly those with more conservative leanings. But Lesbian Space Princess isn’t trying to appeal to everyone, nor should it. Its strength lies in how boldly it embraces its identity.

Lesbian Space Princess is a refreshing, wildly entertaining animated film that knows exactly what it is and leans into it with gusto. It’s not subtle, but it doesn’t need to be. With its biting humor, memorable characters, and surprisingly heartfelt message, the film is a must-watch for anyone who loves irreverent comedy and stories of self-empowerment. Sure, it might not win over every viewer, but for those who get it, it’s an absolute blast.

Lesbian Space Princess premiered at the Berlin Film Festival on February 18, 2025. Read our Berlin Film Festival reviews and our list of 20 films to watch at the 2025 Berlin Film Festival!