Old Habits

While not explicitly stated, a documentary posing a question about relevance would almost certainly delve into internal perspectives. It is reasonable to expect the film gives voice to differing viewpoints within the community, perhaps between founding members and newer initiates, or regarding strategic focus. This could include debates on tactics, the balance between satire and solemnity, or how to engage with modern identity politics. Such exploration would add crucial depth, showing the Order as a living, debating entity rather than a monolithic group.

Given the subject matter, the tone is likely a thoughtful and dynamic blend. Expect moments of laugh-out-loud humour and celebratory joy stemming from the Order's iconic, campy performances and sharp satire. This will presumably be balanced with more reflective, poignant, or even contentious passages as the film interrogates issues of legacy, relevance, and internal debate. The overall experience promises to be intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, avoiding a one-note approach to its complex subject.

Absolutely. While prior knowledge provides deeper context, the film's core premise is designed to be accessible. It uses the captivating and visually striking story of the Order as a gateway to discuss universal themes: the evolution of social protest, the role of humour in dissent, and how movements age and adapt. The 'nuns' themselves are inherently compelling characters, and the film likely serves as both an introduction to their unique world and a springboard for broader reflection on activism's changing face.

Specific Australian streaming or theatrical release information is not provided in the available context. For a documentary of this nature, likely platforms could include local streaming services like ABC iView, SBS On Demand, or Stan, which often feature Australian-focused content. It may also have a festival run at events like the Sydney Film Festival or Mardi Gras Film Festival before a wider release. We recommend checking local entertainment guides and the film's official social channels closer to its stated release date of August 2025 for confirmed viewing details.

While the provided context frames it as a documentary exploring a central thematic question, the lack of specific directorial details makes its exact stylistic approach unclear. It could range from a conventional talking-heads and archival footage documentary to a more cinematic, essayistic, or character-driven portrait. The title 'Old Habits' suggests a reflective, possibly witty tone that may weave personal stories of the 'nuns' with broader cultural analysis, aiming to engage viewers both intellectually and emotionally on the subject of legacy and change.

The film appears to be structured around this very question, positioning it as an open-ended exploration rather than delivering a simple verdict. By examining the Order's four-decade history of 'shocking, delighting and confounding' audiences, it likely contrasts their foundational satirical missions with contemporary social movements and attitudes. The documentary presumably invites viewers to consider the enduring value of humour and spectacle in activism versus newer, perhaps more digitally-native or intersectional approaches, leaving the final assessment to the audience's interpretation.

The Order of Perpetual Indulgence is a long-standing satirical activist group, often described as 'gay male nuns', based in Sydney. For over forty years, they have used flamboyant drag, religious parody, and public spectacle to challenge social norms, fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, and spread joy. The film 'Old Habits' uses their history and current activities as a lens to explore a central question: whether this provocative, theatrical form of activism retains its power and relevance in today's rapidly evolving cultural and political landscape.