Feel like watching something low key this evening? Searching for a bit of cinematic normalcy, the type of storytelling that will keep your head level and allow you to shut your mind off and simply enjoy the ride?
If you answered yes to either of those questions, I do not recommend the Czech New Wave picture Valerie and Her Week of Wonders. I don't recommend it to you at all.
If you are a fan of a fever dream, a weird and wild fantastical story about the sexual awakening of a young lady as she embarks on her journey into womanhood, then go find a copy of this bizarrely beautiful film as soon as possible and give it a spin.
I would be lying if I claimed to comprehend the vast amount of symbolism on display here, but the fairy tale feeling and strange tone of Valerie and Her Week of Wonders kept me invested and fascinated throughout, even through some of the duller periods that tarnished but didn't derail the experience.
Valerie is young and beautiful and beginning her transition from the innocence and simplicity of being a child to the confusing yet exciting changes one experiences when they become a teenager, so toss in a pair of magic earrings and, well, who the fuck knows? It's surreal and terrifying, yet somehow also strangely optimistic even through all the evil imagery and unsettling moments, and there are quite a few.
Looking for vampires and other mythical creatures? In the mood for some lust, including a dash of incest?
If you answered yes to either of those questions, I recommend the Czech New Wave picture Valerie and Her Week of Wonders. I can't recommend it fast enough.
Don't feel guilty if you are intrigued. You should be. It isn't a perfect film but it is one that utterly fascinates and entertains and at an extremely slim 73 minutes, I am left scratching my head with this movie and yet knowing I witnessed something completely unique and pretty damn great.
4/5
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