Now Streaming: Netflix’s Glittering Queer Sports Comedy
A Groundbreaking Story That Sparked a Cultural Shift
Now available on Netflix, both installments of The Shiny Shrimps (“Les Crevettes pailletées”) have once again captured public attention. Co-director Cédric Le Gallo and actor Geoffrey Couët reflect on the surprise success of these boldly queer comedies. While LGBTQ+ representation in French cinema has long lagged behind, early cult hits like Gazon Maudit (1995) and Pédale Douce (1996) began opening doors. Still, it took decades for a film like this to fully bring joy, energy, and queer identity into the mainstream spotlight.
Initially, The Shiny Shrimps wasn’t designed for the box office. For Le Gallo, however, it was an intimate project — drawn directly from the lives and laughter of his own gay water polo team, affectionately dubbed the Shiny Shrimps. Their authentic experiences would end up resonating far beyond what anyone expected.
From Journalistic Ambitions to Cinematic Breakthrough
How a Personal Dream Caught a Producer’s Eye
Back in 2017, Le Gallo was working as a journalist for TF1’s 50 Minutes Inside, but his aspirations had turned toward filmmaking. Inspired by his team’s colorful journey, he imagined a heartwarming and humorous road movie. The idea, blending the camaraderie of a queer sports team with the energy of the Gay Games in Croatia, drew quick interest from producers. The concept struck a chord — something proudly unapologetic, somewhere between Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and a classic underdog sports film.
Things changed dramatically when Universal stepped in to handle distribution. “It was love at first sight, completely irrational,” Le Gallo recalls. “Looking back, the project seemed financially impossible — it didn’t fit any formula.”
A Diverse Cast Brings the Shrimps to Life
Authenticity and Boldness on Screen
In a rare stroke of luck, funding — to the tune of three million euros — came together quickly. The creative team assembled a vibrant, diverse cast. Nicolas Gob embodied the rigid coach, Alban Lenoir took on the magnetic Jean, and Geoffrey Couët brought flair and depth to the role of Xavier.
“Xavier’s flamboyance was intimidating at first,” Couët admits. “But I understood something vital — these characters are catalysts for change. That realization transformed me, both personally and artistically.”
From Indie Project to Cultural Landmark
A Film That Dared — and Delivered
The production was no easy feat — long days of choreography, water scenes, and physically demanding sequences. Yet for Le Gallo, the belief never wavered. “This was the movie I wish I had seen as a teen — full of joy, resilience, and queer heroes living life fully, out loud,” he shares.
The premiere at the Grand Rex in 2019 was a triumph. Over 600,000 viewers filled theaters, and critics embraced the film. But it was a powerful magazine cover that truly made headlines: L’Équipe featured Le Gallo and a teammate sharing a kiss, under the banner “Kiss Whoever You Want”. The image sparked national conversation — and caught the attention of Universal Studios in Hollywood, who immediately asked: where’s the sequel?
The Sequel: More Daring, More Political
The Revenge of the Shiny Shrimps
The follow-up, The Revenge of the Shiny Shrimps, took on darker, more urgent themes. Shot in Ukraine and set in Russia, the film tackled increasing discrimination, especially in repressive environments. Despite retaining its humor and heart, the sequel leaned into bolder, politically charged storytelling.
Premiering in April 2022 — amid the Ukraine war, lingering post-pandemic uncertainty, and unprecedented heat — the timing was tough. Yet the film drew around 150,000 viewers. “Honestly, I hoped for a winter release, but then it was 26°C and war was breaking out,” Le Gallo recalls. “Still, we had to tell that story.”
What’s Next for the Shrimps?
From Cult Classic to Potential TV Series
With both films now streaming on Netflix, Le Gallo feels a sense of creative completeness. “It’s like placing books on a shelf — they’re ready for anyone who needs them, anytime.” But the end isn’t necessarily here.
The filmmaker is already imagining a television spinoff series: “The films capture big group moments. A series would let us dive into each player’s personal life, work challenges, relationships — everything that makes them human.”
The Cast Remains Close
Geoffrey Couët, now exploring work in both documentary and contemporary art, holds the Shrimps close to his heart. “Filming was intense, yes, but real friendships came out of it. I wonder where our characters are now — it makes me want to revisit that world.”
New Horizons for Queer Representation in Sports Film
Cédric Le Gallo isn’t done pushing boundaries. His upcoming project shifts into new terrain: a coming-out narrative set within the locker room of a professional football club. It’s a subject rarely explored on screen — and still taboo in many athletic circles.
“There will absolutely be humor, but it won’t resemble the Shrimps at all,” Le Gallo teases. “We’re planning to start filming in early 2025.”
The Shiny Shrimps and its sequel are much more than feel-good sports comedies — they’re joyful, powerful acts of queer visibility and resistance. By blending laughter with purpose, they’ve helped reshape cultural conversations around identity, sports, and acceptance.