A Riveting Blend of Politics, Sex, and Cinema

Read Time:4 Minute, 15 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Visitor
(graphic adult content) –

Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 41m
Director(s): Bruce LaBruce
Writer(s): Alex Babboni, Victor Fraga, Bruce La Bruce
Cast: Bishop Black, Macklin Kowal, Amy Kingsmill, Ray Filar, Kurtis Lincoln, Luca Federici, John Foley, Adrian Bracken
Where To Watch: world premiere at the 74th Berlinale | Berlin International Film Festival (2024)

RAVING REVIEW: Okay, so fair warning, this won’t be for everyone; set in what I think is a conglomeration of London with a twist of US satire, THE VISITOR sets us on a journey where a mysterious figure becomes the catalyst for a posh family’s transformation. This film, by a Canadian director with a flair for the provocative, blurs the traditional boundaries of art and erotica. Paying respects to Pier Paolo Pasolini’s iconic “Teorema,” in an erotic remake, this film ventures into uncharted territories with its fresh narrative angles and attention to the pulse of modern societal dilemmas. Again, adult content warning!

THE VISITOR stands out as a cinematic curiosity, weaving a rich tapestry of themes against the vibrant backdrop of London’s elite and full-on pornographic art experience. An outsider with no past and an open future crashes into the lives of the well-to-do, sparking a journey of self-discovery and societal critique. This film, which combines elements of erotic drama with science fiction intrigue, invites viewers on a transformative journey sparked by the most unexpected encounters. If you can handle the adult content, this film has some heavy, essential themes worth hearing. This, to me, is the definition of a film I didn’t love but also one I didn’t hate; it felt too important not to appreciate the messages.

At its core, THE VISITOR offers a compelling examination of dominance, sexual exploration, and the upheaval of societal norms in Britain wrestling with its post-Brexit identity. The director breathes new life into Pasolini’s 1968 narrative, infusing it with a contemporary beat and a visual spectacle that is as thought-provoking as it is stunning. This modern rendition pays homage to its predecessor and positions itself firmly within the digital age, resonating with audiences far and wide.

Central to the narrative’s impact is the film’s commentary on alienation, class conflict, and the fluid dynamics of power and identity. The ingenious casting of the protagonist as a refugee deepens the film’s exploration of these issues, offering viewers a mirror to our current global landscape through the intimate lens of personal transformation and challenge.

A highlight of THE VISITOR is its innovative casting strategy, which assembles a mosaic of characters from diverse backgrounds, each adding authenticity and complexity to the unfolding drama. This approach enriches the narrative, underscores the film’s commitment to inclusivity, and breaks down the stereotypical walls that often confine cinematic storytelling.

Yet, THE VISITOR navigates choppy waters as it attempts to marry the worlds of art, erotica, and mainstream appeal. This ambitious blend, while innovative, may only sometimes strike the right balance with some viewers, presenting a final piece that occasionally tips too far in one direction or the other. Some may find the integration of political commentary with erotic themes unsettling, though others will likely applaud the boldness of such a narrative fusion.

Behind this audacious project is Bruce LaBruce, a filmmaker who continues to push the boundaries of genre and narrative convention. His fearless approach to exploring the intersections of sexuality, politics, and artistic expression illuminates THE VISITOR, marking it as a beacon for those yearning for cinema that dares to provoke and transcend traditional storytelling paradigms.

THE VISITOR is an endeavor that boldly questions, celebrates, and confronts. Weaving together a complex narrative of sexual emancipation, political critique, and creative exploration, it offers audiences a new lens through which to view familiar tales. While it may not achieve universal acclaim, the film’s ambition, innovation, and bold spirit are indisputable. As a testament to cinema’s power to foster dialogue, shift perspectives, and inspire change, THE VISITOR is a vibrant reminder of the medium’s transformative potential in our continuously evolving societal landscape.

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[photo courtesy of BEST FRIEND FOREVER, A/POLITICAL (UK)]

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