House of Mayhem is a sexy, street-smart comedy set in New York City about an alternative family with its own set of values. It’s a raw, unflinching look at a part of gay city life often ignored and never explored. When fashion photographer, Felony Mayhem, comes face to face with the street kid who mugged him a few days before, he plots his outrageous revenge. But Felony soon discovers that his attacker, Dennis, is a vulnerable teenager who was thrown out by his god-fearing mother for being gay.
Here begins the crazy, unpredictable journey of the family Felony and his reluctant, blue-collar partner, Bobo, create when they take Dennis in off the street. The small apartment is cramped to begin with, already home to Felony, Bobo, and their demanding frequent houseguest, drag diva Charlotte. But when Dennis opens their eyes to the world of queer teens the system has no place for, they soon find themselves the guardians of two more throwaways; Ivan, a street activist, rapper and dancer, and the fierce, barely teenage transgender, Epiphany. Felony takes them away from the dark streets, the harsh rejection of their real parents, and the institutional abuse of foster care. This makeshift family has great values. They're just not your typical family.
House of Mayhem sheds light on many of the serious issues facing gay street youth of all colours, but tells their stories through a fun, comedic framework. Its setting is specific, but it’s themes are universal, and will appeal to a broad spectrum of audiences, breaking out to the mainstream in a manner similar to My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Brokeback Mountain and Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. The dramatic focus will be on the human relationships in the story, and how the characters are able to bridge the many practical, spiritual, sexual and moral obstacles they face through tenderness, honesty and humour.
The narrative will be led by sharp, funny often barbed dialogue and will have an unapologetically gay slant. The story will be rooted in a very real and specific subculture that exists in NYC. The film will be faithful to this subculture in order to create and maintain authenticity and realism. House of Mayhem celebrates the best of old school, and opens the door for “Generation Q”—queer youth of today, and a new and vibrant scene. The visual style will be cinematic verite, contrasting the warm security of the home with the dark, tough and precarious reality of the streets.
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Synopsis:
