Magic Farm (Drama)

Rating:

Director: Amalia Ulman
Producer: Eugene Kotlyarenko,Alex Hughes,Riccardo Maddalosso
Screenwriter: Amalia Ulman
Cinematographer: Carlos Rigo Bellver
Composer: Burke Batelle p/k/a Chicken
Editor: Arturo Sosa
Production Designer: Marina Raggio
Key Cast: Chloë Sevigny,Alex Wolff,Simon Rex,Amalia Ulman,Camila del Campo,Joe Apollonio

Chloë Sevigny, Alex Wolff and Simon Rex star in Amalia Ulman’s indie satire about a too-hip media company on a clueless quest in Argentina.

After successfully reporting on stories like niche Mexican fashion-footwear trends and teenage exorcists in Bolivia, a gaggle of self-involved documentary makers leave New York to find their next clickbait subject – a singer in a bunny outfit called Super Carlitos – in San Cristóbal, Argentina. Stronger on vibes than actual investigative journalism skills, they soon realise they’ve gone to the wrong small town; and, rather than opening their eyes to the health crises affecting the local community who hesitantly let them in, decide to stick around and make up a viral story instead.

New York–based Argentinian filmmaker and artist Amalia Ulman (El Planeta, MIFF 2021) brings a droll sense of humour and playfulness to this Sundance-premiering, Berlinale-selected story of solipsistic culture shock, as well as appearing onscreen as the group’s camera person and occasional translator. Also featuring Chloë Sevigny as an irate presenter, Alex Wolff as a bratty producer, newcomer Joe Apollonioas as an amorous sound guy and Simon Rex asa higher-up with better things to do, the US cast is complemented by local performers, including a memorable turn by Camila del Campo. Carlos Rigo Bellver’s irreverent cinematography, making use of 360-degree and GoPro cameras (sometimes positioned on the head of a dog or horse), matches Ulman’s loose, conversational approach throughout.

“A formally radical, biting satire about odious, privileged Americans adrift ... operates with refreshing visual anarchy.” – Variety