Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: BATTLECRY [International Film Festival Rotterdam 2022 - Virtual]

The aspect of biological weaponry as an aspect of the human ambition in an intriguing perspective. "Battlecry" [Harbour] as a singular vision from writer/director Yanakaya is visually interesting approach on a neo noir bathed in social commentary but never quite intersects in a true form. For the most part despite its want to be unique, the story comes off as stilted. While the visuals, even based on older software, have a certain beauty to them, there is a disconnect especially with the interaction of the two leads Haya and Soji because the dialogue and structure don't quite mesh. If this was an interactive novel, it would be understandable but the reasoning of the story, especially Haya saying Soji is being distracted by her unmistakable beauty is simply laughable at times as well as her would-be investigation. In real world scenarios, these characters would be attacked and questioned but they are seemingly left to go about their business unfettered. The color textures and some of the synth music sequences with no people in them can be mesmerizing but that is not enough. However, even doing something alone can create something fantastic. "Junk Head" which played Fantasia 2021 was pretty spectacular...and while there were some issues with it, the overall feel was brilliant (and it was made basically by one person). "Battlecry" never quite gets to that point despite an interesting concept involving the Shadow Wind and the Golden Monkey. The story structure is simply not there and the visuals, though unique, take on a more Machinima texture without really truly rising to the occasion. It might have worked better as a short film, pushing the noir of the city to move towards a more comprehensive entry. C-

By Tim Wassberg