26/27
It took 7 years to finance
Tale
The Maynards and their children lead a near-perfect billionaire family life. Amon is an avid hunter, but he doesn’t shoot animals because the family’s wealth allows them to live completely free of consequences. Ayn Rand: The point is, who’s going to stop me?
I watched this at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival
Filmmakers Daniel Hoesl and Juliane Niemann clearly have an interesting satirical take on the wealthy class and while there are some good ideas, it feels underdeveloped and not as strong as the film thinks it is. The production designs, camerawork, and color presentation are gorgeous and truly beautiful as they help capture the atmosphere and essence of the characters. Hoesl and Niemann’s direction, while a little messy, has a clear vision of the style and atmosphere they’re going for.
I don’t feel like it’s investing or interesting to connect with emotionally
Many of the performances are strong, with a few of the children’s performances being a little weak. The story is a good concept but unfortunately it feels strong as it thinks it is as the story feels underdeveloped with some themes and the characters aren’t. Like there are some good ideas that don’t quite reach their intended potential.
But it could have been stronger
There are some moments that are shocking, edgy and quite bizarre and I understand where the filmmakers are coming from and their vision. But it doesn’t feel fully earned and the style is way too much like something from Ruben Ostlund or Michael Haneke. Overall it’s not bad as there are some moments that I enjoy.