Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: AFTER BLUE [Toronto International Film Festival 2021 - Virtual]
The notion of changing social structure can always be reflected in the aspect of science fiction by planetary difference. "After Blue (Dirty Paradise)" (Midnight Madness) has an approach that shows the matriarchy as the constant in a world with no men. The aspect of hair and its reflective freedom also reflects in what can be perceived as desired pleasure versus carnal (or carnage). The film in its world building has an element of mythology from Medusa to the 3 Witches while also brings to mind 70s existential sexual awakening genre and thriller films. Shot in a low-fi way with very organic and yet earthy production design, the basis becomes of a woman who has rebelled and committed some murders and thereby becomes wanted. The set authority based in aspects of comeuppance orders Roxy (Paula Lunaa) and her mother Zora (Elina Löwensohn) into the farthest reaches of their world (like lonely Western travelers) seeking that which they must destroy in order to be accepted back into the clan.
The style of director Betrand Mandico in terms of narrative reflects in the idea of nature as metaphor. Roxy definitely wants to find her desire but she does not know who to interpret it especially in the texture of men whom she has never seen before. The best character by far is Sternberg (Vimala Pons), an outlaw in various states of undress with a cyborg resembling her ex-male lover from Earth and two henchwomen with glowing eyes to complete her dirty work (in some instances). Ultimately the search is culminated in where or not they can assassinate Kate Bush (the woman who committed the original crime). The issue with the film is that it tries to use the emotional swings and physical trysts as well as lashing out as a response to society that has adjusted to different standard which is perhaps more advanced and yet still primal. "After Blue (Dirty Paradise)" has that punk, "Heavy Metal", Night Flight texture of the early 80s, making its ideals of inhibition but also reflected pop culture (all the guns are named after handbags) but simply feels more like it is trying to be something more than it is. C-
By Tim Wassberg
