If you’re in the market for a real brain-twister of a movie then look no further than Undergods. Written and directed by Chino Moya, the film plays as a collection of stories each subtly linked in to one another, either via a person or a place. As each tale ends, it’s almost as if an imaginary baton is passed onto a peripheral character who now becomes our new lead. It’s less confusing than it sounds and makes for a varied viewing experience. The stories tell of couples not getting on, the reappearance of a long thought dead spouse, and a wealthy businessman whose daughter is kidnapped as collateral for reneging on a deal.
Some of these stories, especially those dealing with a couple exasperated with one another, might sound pedestrian, but Moya transplants these relatively simple stories into a whole new world. The setting appears to be an almost apocalyptic wasteland, the tales taking place either outside or within the city walls. There’s a strong science-fiction-fantasy element to everything on display. It’s not the shiny bright white futuristic brand of sci-fi however, but rather the rundown dilapidated end-of-the-world brand, something on a par with 12 Monkeys or 1984. It’s grim and darkly lit, and feels grubby and uncomfortable. At times, the narrative does get a little confusing to follow, but it’s never too long before you stumble back on track.
As the narrative unfolds as one continuous stream of overlapping stories, the film has a vast cast, and all of them give it their all. Even those characters that are only interacted with fleetingly make an impression. As impressive as everyone is, we have to single out the ever amazing Kate Dickie who once again owns her brand of cold, slightly cuckoo, characters. Also, if you’ve ever wanted to see Burn Gorman have a go at karaoke, then look no further.
Undergods is a blindingly beautiful movie. The wasteland cityscapes are nothing short of breath-taking, and instantly capture the bleak and desolate vibe that penetrates everything. The painstaking production design and cinematography really does deserve to be applauded as it is stunning. Before we’ve even met a single character, the world has been set up perfectly. The atmosphere generated through the visuals alone is palpable. Add to that an eerie electronic score, with a couple of melodies sounding a little like a Pet Shop Boys song, and you’ve got a recipe for a cool and creative dystopian nightmare.
Undergods was reviewed at Fantasia 2020. Undergods will be in select UK cinemas and On Demand from May 17.
Undergods
Summary
Undergods is a fantastical collection of bleak stories told within the parameters of an atmospheric and visually breathtaking world.
