After competing for Cannes Film Festival's Palme d'Or last year (if you're going to lose to any film, lose to Parasite), plant-based Little Joe has finally arrived in the UK, marking director and co-writer Jessica Hausner's English-language feature-length debut. Will my review encourage you to find thyme to see it, or is it better to leaf it alone?
Having developed and successfully bred a new strain of flower that requires extra care and attention but, in turn, makes its owner feel immense happiness, single mother Alice Woodard slowly begins to realise that her "little Joe" plant may not carry the desired effects when it starts aggressively pollinating and changing those that come into contact with it. Featuring an award-winning performance from Emily Beecham, with support from Ben Whishaw, Kerry Fox, David Wilmot, Kit Connor and Phénix Brossard, has Little Joe been worth the wait?
A fantastically disconcerting unease pervades throughout Little Joe from open to close, a film as unorthodox in its approach as it is uncompromising in its central allegory. Hidden in plain sight, the film's consideration of the potentially debilitating impact of antidepressants drugs is handled tactfully by Hausner and screenplay collaborator Géraldine Bajard. Through purposefully stilted dialogue and awkward humour that evokes the deadpan style of Yorgos Lanthimos, the pair explore this fascinating and - mostly importantly - layered allegory in a creative but careful manner that circumvents overtly critical, damaging or disparaging aspersions on mental health treatment.
While the film can slack in pacing - at just 105 minutes, the film actually feels closer to three hours than comfortably under two, and begins to lose momentum and rhythm towards the end - the strength of the themes and messages within the film linger longer than any issues over its pacing do.
Visually, Little Joe could not be stronger. From the sterile cinematography interrupted by bursts of vivid colour captured through the impeccable, orderly production design to the creeping camerawork which lingers fractionally longer than would otherwise be comfortable, its visual language is arguably stronger than the more traditional narrative storytelling. Emboldened by Jessica Hausner's remarkable control over every element results in a most impressive technical accomplishment, Little Joe marks her as one of the most exciting directorial voices for those previously unfamiliar with her work.
While the film can slack in pacing - at just 105 minutes, the film actually feels closer to three hours than comfortably under two, and begins to lose momentum and rhythm towards the end - the strength of the themes and messages within the film linger longer than any issues over its pacing do.
Visually, Little Joe could not be stronger. From the sterile cinematography interrupted by bursts of vivid colour captured through the impeccable, orderly production design to the creeping camerawork which lingers fractionally longer than would otherwise be comfortable, its visual language is arguably stronger than the more traditional narrative storytelling. Emboldened by Jessica Hausner's remarkable control over every element results in a most impressive technical accomplishment, Little Joe marks her as one of the most exciting directorial voices for those previously unfamiliar with her work.
Our lead, Emily Beecham, who won Best Actress at Cannes Film Festival for her performance here, demonstrates a terrific understanding of the film's tone and its requirements. She's playing it straighter than anyone else while simultaneously revelling in the discomfort and unease the actors are largely responsible for conveying. It does take a minute to acclimatise to the often eccentric performances from the supporting cast but when these character behaviours are given greater clarity, it isn't difficult to see how effective they are overall.
Director and co-writer Jessica Hausner's command over the highly unusual Little Joe is what ensures the high-concept sci-fi drama's success. With an interesting premise at the core of its solid if imperfect script, and the film's impeccable visuals enticing you towards the unique creation, you find yourself absorbed in Little Joe, even as the minutes drag on. It's daring, creative and, again, while parts are imperfect, it's worth embracing this breed of unique cinema. Maybe happiness awaits you?
Summary: A fantastically disconcerting unease pervades throughout Little Joe, an imperfect but fascinating and creative piece of cinema whose impeccable visuals and bold themes are under the impressive command of writer-director Jessica Hausner.