Yo, listen up! There’s a new flick dropping at the 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival that sounds straight-up intense, and it’s got everyone buzzing. We’re talking ‘Against Nature,’ the feature debut from Mexican filmmaker Axel Bertha, and trust me, it’s giving some serious dark vibes. The protagonist, Jonás, is an enigmatic stonemason returning to the countryside after years away, and his story is set to be a truly haunting experience. This cinematic journey hits different, diving deep into humanity’s shadowy corners and sticking with you.
What makes ‘Against Nature’ stand out is its commitment to ditching traditional storytelling for a visceral, spiritual encounter. Bertha’s film leans into hypnotic visuals and intricate sound design, creating an absorbing experience that blurs lines between the physical and intangible. The KVIFF website teases Jonás ‘opens himself up to something intangible – a force that permeates the landscape, bodies, and time itself.’ It explores human cruelty not as isolated incidents, but as part of a cyclical destruction humanity seems kinda stuck in, for real.
It’s wild to think this concept sprang from a local Mexican police report about a murder. Director Bertha drew from this grim reality, pondering if human progress truly distances us from nature or brings us closer to its raw essence. Historically, folks, expansion, dominion over resources, and violence have been constant threads in the human story, right? This film isn’t just showing us a story; it’s making us question our own damn place in this ongoing saga of conflict with the natural world. It’s a heavy concept, but definitely thought-provoking.
To achieve such raw authenticity, Bertha went all out, no cap. He lived in the film’s location for six months before shooting, totally immersing himself in the landscapes and daily rhythms of the community. They then shot on 35mm film, using a limited amount, with a cast of local non-actors. This hands-on approach, often under tough weather, gives the movie an organic, almost documentary-like feel, grounding its profound themes in a tangible reality few films capture. That’s dedication, dude.
Jonás is navigating a world where he feels like an outsider, haunted by a past that won’t quit, and straight-up struggles to communicate his feelings. This inability to connect forms a core emotional current through the film’s unsettling atmosphere. Bertha wanted to make a movie that ‘questions and helps us regain our relationship with reality, with each other, and bring us closer to our hearts and dreams,’ a legit goal when our ‘markers to understand the world’ feel kinda shaky these days. It’s a deep cut, for sure.
The film is a collaborative effort, brought to life by Mexico-based Domme and Cárcava Cine, alongside U.S.-based Love Song. Having an icon like Carlos Reygadas involved as a co-producer is a huge stamp of approval for ‘Against Nature’s’ quality and artistic vision. The team, including cinematographers Flavia Martínez and Edson Reyes, and music by Ela Minus, has crafted something truly special. It’s an indie project with serious cred, showcasing the vibrant global filmmaking scene.
So, if you’re into cinema that challenges you and isn’t afraid to go to those dark places, ‘Against Nature’ is probably gonna be your jam. It’s not just a film; it’s an experience. If you enjoyed this article, share it with your friends or leave us a comment!
Livia Dorne covers film, television, music, and pop culture with a keen editorial perspective. She delivers engaging commentary, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep readers connected to the entertainment world. Her style blends critique with storytelling.
