Surreal Noir Shines Bright in Dazzling Debut
Read Time:4 Minute, 42 Second
MOVIE REVIEW
The Blue Rose
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Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 43m
Director(s): George Baron
Writer(s): George Baron
Cast: Olivia Scott Welch, George Baron, Danielle Bisutti, Nikko Austen Smith, Glüme Harlow, Jordyn Denning, Evee Bui, Sophie Cooper, Logan Miller, Ray Wise, Manny Liotta, Brittany Ball
Where To Watch: in select theaters and on digital/VOD July 12, 2024
RAVING REVIEW: In what I can only describe as one of the best interactions I’ve ever had with a director, George Baron reached out to me while I was screening this film and mentioned I should check it out (as he didn’t know I was already watching it.) I took a photo of the screen as I was watching it, and their response was, “Oh bitch that’s cuntyyyyy,” and I can’t tell you the smile that put on my face!
Stepping into the directorial arena, Baron's THE BLUE ROSE mesmerizes with a lush visual experience that fuses surrealism and film noir elements, presenting a unique cinematic experience. From the first scene, where an ethereal figure enchants the audience with a blue rose bathed in blood-red water, we are drawn into a world where reality and fantasy are inseparably intertwined. This opening is a precursor for the rest of the film, setting the stage for a narrative that consistently blurs the lines between the tangible and the imagined with an artistic hand and unique vision.
Baron, influenced by David Lynch yet infusing his work with the spirit of cinema greats like Stanley Kubrick and Alfred Hitchcock, crafts a storyline centered around two rookie detectives, Lilly and Dalton. Played by Olivia Scott Welch and Baron himself, these characters are thrust into a murder mystery that propels them into a nightmarish reality echoing the unsettling undertones of 1950s America. Here, the noir aesthetics mingle with modern themes, enriching the plot's depth and engaging a diverse audience.
The film's production design deserves applause for its meticulous attention to period detail blended with surrealistic motifs. The sets and costumes are more than mere backdrops; they actively become part of the story, the paint to a canvas, enhancing the narrative's emotional and thematic resonance. The symbolism of blue roses and triangles weaves a complex tapestry of oppression and identity, echoing historical and cultural significances that invite viewers to delve deeper into the film's rich subtext.
Casting choices in THE BLUE ROSE add a passionate and unique perspective of authenticity and intrigue the performances of Baron and Welch, whose on-screen chemistry anchors the film's convoluted narrative. Meanwhile, Viola Odette Harlow’s portrayal of the nightclub singer Catherine Christianson is a standout, infusing the film with a haunting charm that captivates the audience, much like the sirens of classical Hollywood cinema. Nikko Austen Smith’s portrayal of Sophie Steele creates a haunting atmosphere that pulls you into the unknown. The film, with many new names in the industry, combines to create an experience that feels familiar yet has a surprise around every corner.
At its core, THE BLUE ROSE challenges its audience to engage actively with its elaborate and symbol-laden narrative. This may be Baron's debut, but this film showcases his unique directorial style and boldly invites viewers to explore the surreal depths of cinematic storytelling. While the film’s complexity may not resonate with everyone, its ability to foster discussion and introspection is a testament to Baron’s budding talent.
Baron’s film transcends traditional entertainment, offering instead a gateway into a conversation about art, reality, and the shadows in between. As the story unfolds, viewers are encouraged to question and interpret the layers of meaning woven throughout the film, making THE BLUE ROSE a seminal work in surrealist noir.
THE BLUE ROSE is a visual and intellectual odyssey that marks George Baron's emergence as a filmmaker of note; I can’t wait to see what he does next! His ability to craft a visually arresting and thought-provoking narrative announces the arrival of a new, significant voice in cinema. As the credits roll, the film leaves a lasting impression, ensuring its place as a pivotal work in the evolution of the surrealist noir genre. This feels like one of those moments I’ll look back on years from now, and I can say, “I remember his first film and could see what the future holds!”
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[photo courtesy of DARK SKY FILMS]
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After watching some interviews from the director one sure thing catches my attention his young age and passion for art, film and story. His influences definitely draw him into old glamour era but along lines of horror.
He wants it be weird and for viewers to go along with the main characters to solve this mystery.
What’s interesting and bit funny I noticed references to Alice in Wonderland which is all about the peculiar and dreamlands. Much like that story and worlds The Blue Rose makes you dive into a rabbit hole of its own like the bathtub acts like a portal almost into nightmares soon perfect wonderland of 50’s become bloody real quick.
With painting white roses blue and blue triangles, using blue eye drops under get ahold on your mental state the monsters created when someone is sad and a baby cries goal exorcize almost afraid what can ensue due to these uncontrollable emotions, what’s real and what’s not the line becomes blurred.
Viewers and me were definitely hooked since we know answer first mystery soon realize more about the world they’re in that we have to solve and find the answers to.
The fact one of the detectives didn’t even want to do this line of work is insightful as they bond with a suspect in the case who is nightclub singer an enigma herself.
The faceless nameless audience like bg extras makes you want to have urge like in Scooby-Doo to find out true identities of the characters.
Why chase after the truth when mainly seeking to connect be heard through all they face to prove themselves.
This element of mystique compels us and the characters face what they run from, look into themselves as possibly the greatest mystery is of the human mind itself.
In retrospect this film will make you frustrated, confused, enticed, left more with questions than answers. Good or bad it’s an art form for expression beautiful visually with some standout scenes while others seem to drag but certain elements especially use of music tell narrative kept me drawn in to complete the film with mostly curious intent of to the bigger mysteries in the world of alternate realities and detectives caught in their own troubles.
What a fantastic critique! I really appreciate how much you dug into the more subtle details of the film, this is nearly the perfect companion piece to my review!