Self-Aware Swiss Stereotypes Meet Edgy Exploitation Cinema

Read Time:3 Minute, 51 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Mad Heidi
–

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 32m
Director(s): Johannes Hartmann, Sandro Klopfstein
Writer(s): Sandro Klopfstein, Johannes Hartmann, Gregory D. Widmer, Trent Haaga
Cast: Alice Lucy, Max Rüdlinger, Casper Van Dien, David Schofield, Kel Matsena, Almar G. Sato, Pascal Ulli, Kaspar Weiss, Katja Kolm, Rebecca Dyson-Smith
Language: English, Swiss, and German with English subtitles
Where To Watch: in select theaters nationwide on June 21, 2023, from Fathom Events, Raven Banner Releasing, and Swissploitation Films

RAVING REVIEW: First and foremost, if you see this film, please know what you will see. I’ve seen some ridiculous reviews where people were upset about what they got, which boggles my mind. This film was crowd-funded and advertised as a “Swissplotation film,” exploitation films try to succeed financially by exploiting current trends, niche genres, or lurid content. But this is a modern self-aware take on the subgenre.

MAD HEIDI takes a walk on the wild side. From the directorial visionaries Johannes Hartmann and Sandro Klopfstein, this narrative revisits the German children’s books from the 1880s, Heidi, now recast as an adult portrayed with intensity by Alice Lucy. Heidi now finds serenity high in the Swiss Alps alongside her grandfather, played by David Schofield.

The plot casts a long, chilling shadow over this peaceful mountain life. Along with a heavy dose of cheese? Which becomes the crux of an emerging dystopia, transforming this tranquil narrative into a thrilling cheese chase. As President Meili, Casper Van Dien enforces a dictatorial rule aiming to control the world’s cheese supply.

This cheese supremacy meets resistance when Kel Matsena’s character (Goat Peter,) Heidi’s goat-herding companion, falls victim to the regime’s brutal punishment against unregulated cheese distribution. This tragic turn of events acts as the catalyst in Heidi’s transformation. The sweet alpine girl morphs into a formidable warrior, courageously sailing through the extreme tides of revolt against the cheese czar’s ruthless tyranny. The plot thickens when the dictator’s wrath descends upon Heidi’s grandfather and her beloved Peter, fueling Heidi’s desire for retribution.

Klopfstein and Hartmann’s bold directorial debut, MAD HEIDI, adds a unique twist by shunning traditional streaming platforms. Instead, they launched the film on its official website, providing a direct channel for their creative venture to reach and interact with the audience. The movie exceeds expectations with its grandeur, showcasing meticulously designed sets, impressive makeup artistry, and groundbreaking visual effects that escalate the narrative to captivating heights. This isn’t a Marvel movie, but it was still a blast and visually stunning!

Heidi finds solace and guidance in a lonely cabin from a mysterious mentor, who hones her survival and fighting skills. As Heidi’s determination to fight the regime strengthens, a clandestine revolution simmers across Switzerland.

MAD HEIDI ingeniously marries Swiss stereotypes with the edgy aesthetics of the 1960s and ’70s exploitation cinema, resulting in a cinematic concoction brimming with drama, comedy, and action. Alice Lucy’s nuanced performance as Heidi beautifully counterbalances Casper Van Dien’s theatrical portrayal of the cheese-obsessed dictator, lending an intriguing dynamic to the movie’s narrative framework.

MAD HEIDI is far from a leisurely Swiss meadow romp; it is an exhilarating whirlwind of dark humor, compelling acting, and thought-provoking imagery, accentuating the movie’s unique cinematic identity. Although the storyline occasionally needs more focus, the film presents a unique viewing experience. The movie’s pulse lies in Heidi’s transformation, relentless resilience, daring defiance against the oppressive regime, and arduous journey to reclaim her homeland.

MAD HEIDI is a bold reinvention of a beloved tale, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Our protagonist is no longer the innocent Swiss lass enjoying the alpine serenity but a fierce warrior combating a dystopian nightmare. The transition of Heidi’s idyllic life into a rebellion and survival saga against a ruthless cheese tycoon forms a gripping narrative arc. This dramatic transformation, coupled with the clever infusion of satire, action, and drama, ensures a captivating cinematic ride for a broad audience, marking an impressive debut for directors Johannes Hartmann and Sandro Klopfstein.

If you’re near a theater that does Fathom events, don’t miss the opportunity to check this out on the big screen! Check for your nearest showing here https://www.fathomevents.com/events/Mad-Heidi?date=2023-06-21

For more reviews, please visit – https://linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews for more info.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of SWISSPLOTATION FILMS]