Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: GAIA [SxSW Film Festival 2021 - Virtual]

The element of nature versus nurture takes an unexpected turn, especially with a sense of reckoning. "Gaia" [Midnighters] takes that structure using an almost aboriginal perspective at the inset then completely turns it on its head. It becomes the story in an odd way of a catalyst through innocence. While on the surface it does have a horror structure, it is merely a reflection of the primal. A female park ranger (played by a changing Monique Rockman) ends up in the jungle by accident while on drone scouting mission. We are never given a true location but she encounters a man and his son, seemingly regressed and living uncivilized (which is far from the truth). The backstory as it is unveiled is interesting but more metaphorical in its execution. There are some interesting visuals, especially in how it refers to silence and blindness. There is a little bit of "A Quiet Place" but wrapped in a structure of would be environmentalism though it doesn't necessarily play as severe as it sounds. The perception of the ranger begins reflecting what she sees. Like "Signs" it is much about action and metaphorical imagery versus what is actually happening. At one point Rockman's character finds herself in a vision quest of sorts, which although trippy, is very clear in how she sees the world, how the forest interacts and those within. Ultimately, the ideals of sacrifice and fate play a large role. To give any more away would risk spoilers but that said, within the confines of a jungle and a cabin, the claustrophobia works well without overwhelming. Yet, oddly enough there is a sense of warmth that can turn dead cold in a few seconds. The eventual resolution, despite a slight zigzag, is the kicker. Despite some missing details, "Gaia" knows its path, and although sometimes abstract, reaches its destination. B

By Tim Wassberg