Photo credit: www.thewrap.com
Review: “Atropia” – A Missed Opportunity for Satire
The film “Atropia,” while attempting to address the complex themes surrounding U.S. militarism, ultimately veers into the territory of a forced farce rather than sharp commentary. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, this feature-length adaptation of Hailey Gates’ short film “Shako Mako” struggles to deliver a cohesive narrative amid its convoluted scenarios and lack of genuine satire.
Set against the backdrop of a military training exercise aimed at preparing soldiers for an Iraq invasion, the film appears to sidestep its serious premise, favoring a series of lighthearted, almost sitcom-style moments. While there are occasional glimpses of humor, the film’s nearly two-hour runtime feels drawn out, leaving audiences yearning for a more impactful exploration of the subject matter.
Despite the commendable performances of lead actors Alia Shawkat and Callum Turner, whose characters navigate the absurdities of their situation, the humor they deliver often lacks the necessary edge to provoke thought. The concept of mock towns, where actors portray countries slated for invasion, presents fertile ground for satire; however, “Atropia” remains ensnared in its own premise, failing to offer a broader critique.
Moments that hint at a darker reality exist, yet they seem disjointed from the overall tone of the film. The supporting cast, including talented actors Chloë Sevigny and Tim Heidecker, shine brightly but feel underutilized in a narrative that meanders rather than incisively explores its themes. “Atropia” often distracts itself with a myriad of lackluster jokes that detract from any serious commentary it attempts to present.
The film opens with a striking scene depicting a staged Iraqi street evolving into a war zone, showcasing a man losing a leg—a moment rendered with special effects and actors with real disabilities. This provocative start appears to challenge the oversimplified narratives often presented in American cinema regarding conflict zones. However, as the plot progresses, the focus shifts to the character of Fayruz (Shawkat), a struggling actress seeking to escape the confines of the training exercise. What ensues is a repetitive cycle of mediocrity that fails to gain momentum.
When Fayruz becomes romantically involved with fellow actor and soldier Abu Dice (Turner), the film indulges in absurdity, but such moments merely highlight the lack of substantive commentary. Though the surreal premise of the military exercise is ripe for critique, the execution falls short, leaving little resonance. The inclusion of a celebrity cameo offers fleeting amusement but does little to bolster the film’s impact, feeling more like a gimmick than a significant moment.
Overall, “Atropia” maintains a façade of satire without genuinely engaging with the complexities of its subject. While it may elicit a chuckle now and then, these instances are infrequent, especially as the film wears on. When brief interludes of real footage from the Iraq war appear, they starkly contrast with the preceding absurdity, suggesting the filmmakers were aiming for a profound commentary that ultimately dissipates amidst a lack of focus.
In conclusion, “Atropia” feels less like a meaningful exploration of its themes and more like an exercise in futility. Its attempts at satire appear superficial, reminiscent of an operation without a clear objective. Ultimately, the film leaves viewers with a sense of disappointment, akin to a banner reading “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED” unfurling in the background—symbolic of a mission that failed to achieve its intended purpose.
Source
www.thewrap.com