Moon Garden

This was a wild and beautiful fever dream that gave me an amalgamation of vibes reminiscent of Pans Labyrinth, The Evil Within and Silent Hill. I've had this movie on my radar for at least the past year or so, so I was pleased to sit down and finally give it a view.

While we got our 2 base storylines down - the real world physical and emotional trauma and then the fantasy manifestation of said traumas... otherwise, there wasn't all too much else that satiated my desire for a substantial plot or storyline. I felt like I was really missing a "tale" more than "trying to get home" that I was really wanting. I felt it leaned more towards the cerebral side with a plethora of metaphors, symbolism, allegories and a general "artsy-fartsy" take. On one hand, this added to the beauty, chaos and dream like state of confusion. On the other hand, it left me a little wanting and looking for something to cling my attention onto to stay engaged.

And yet, at the same time it was impossible to look away from the screen. This movie was a literal visual feat. I mean, this was pretty next level. The visuals, imagery, concepts, effects, sets and props and so much more really took up for a lot that I felt was missing. As stated, it is certainly reminiscent of things, but I'd dare to say you have never seen anything that is quite exactly like this before.

I don't know if it was the platform I was viewing this on or a stylistic choice or what but there were continual fade to black cuts as if they were cutting to a commercial that were very odd. It almost gave me a sense of nostalgia but primarily were distracting. Also the acting here was a bit distracting as well. Not the worst I've ever seen but not my favorite. However, shout out to the princess, she gave a lovely monologue.

All in all this was a very intriguing and unique experience. I don't think this will be everyone's cup of tea and will certainly be polarizing for people... but good art always is. I would encourage you to give it a shot. 6.5 rounding up to a 7, would recommend.

At the time I first viewed it, this movie had the rating of 6. I was taught by experience not to trust IMDB ratings too much, as some highly rated movies turned out out to be huge disappointments, and many low-rated ones turned out to be instant classics in my book. However, most of the time, the low-rated movies have some flaws that most people tend to overstate, hence the poor rating. Naturally, I expected this to be the case with this one as well.

I guess the thing the audience didn't like was the fact that there's very little actual storytelling and most of the movie comes to the captivating visuals and the actual feelings they evoke in the viewer. We, the audience, have some knowledge and expectations that the little girl who serves as the main character doesn't, but the movie still manages to surprise us both. Its quality, however, is more hypnotic than revelatory, reminding of Lynch, Tarkovsky and similar artists, or better yet, the more surreal aspects of the likes of Tarsem or Kubrick.

Underneath it all, there is some important message, all of these apparent fever dreams actually filled with symbolism and meaning, and even some things that we don't immediately recognize will soon be explained through the little girl's memories and make more or less sense. Haven Lee Harris is extremely talented for a girl of her age and if this movie gets the recognition it deserves, she will be a star someday, and the same obviously goes for her father, the director of this masterpiece.

All in all, this is as much as I can say without actually spoiling the whole thing. To everyone who likes to see the captivating visuals of a little girl's dream world, who doesn't mind a little touch of dread spread throughout the movie, and has at least a little bit of imagination and understanding, I strongly recommend this movie.

Extremely well made movie. The little girls acting was incredible. I was expecting more of a horror movie but it is more of a dreamy, surreal movie, with a little horror sprinkled in. However, the movie features one of the best horror character designs I've seen in a long time.

Effects and soundtrack were awesome too.

It's a sad story, but also a positive one, and makes you think about your own relationships with your spouse and children.

I would love to see another film made by this director. His style is very interesting and it's been a long time since I've seen a truly unique "horror" movie until this.

A cinematic blend of 90s rock music videos, offbeat horror, and contemporary video art, Moon Garden is a mind-bending visual feast that will leave you questioning reality.

As a seasoned film critic, I have had the privilege of witnessing a vast array of cinematic experiences. However, rarely do I encounter a film that so profoundly transports me to another realm, challenging my perceptions and igniting my imagination. Moon Garden, the directorial debut of Ryan Stevens Harris, is one such extraordinary cinematic gem.

From the opening sequence, I was captivated by the film's unique fusion of visuals and sounds, reminiscent of the experimental video art that captivated me during my formative years. The narrative follows the journey of Haven Lee Harris, a young woman who finds herself trapped in a surreal and enigmatic world following a tragic car accident. As she navigates this dreamlike landscape, she encounters a series of bizarre and unsettling characters, each encounter further blurring the lines between reality and illusion.

Haven Lee Harris delivers a tour-de-force performance, embodying the protagonist's emotional turmoil with profound authenticity. Her portrayal of Haven's vulnerability, fear, and unwavering determination is nothing short of mesmerizing, anchoring the narrative and leaving an indelible mark on the viewer.

The film's visuals are equally captivating, with Harris employing a masterful blend of techniques to create a truly immersive experience. From slow-motion shots that capture the intricacies of Haven's expressions to distorted soundscapes that heighten the atmosphere of unease, the film is a sensory overload that demands the viewer's attention.

Beyond its captivating visuals and sounds, Moon Garden delves into profound themes of identity, loss, and the very nature of reality. Harris refrains from spoon-feeding these themes to the audience, instead inviting viewers to embark on their own personal interpretations. This open-ended approach adds an extra layer of intrigue to the film, encouraging multiple viewings and fostering thought-provoking discussions.

While Moon Garden may not be for the faint of heart, its challenging and often disturbing nature is precisely what makes it so compelling. It is a film that pushes boundaries, forces introspection, and lingers long after the credits have rolled. For those seeking a cinematic experience that transcends the ordinary, I wholeheartedly recommend Moon Garden.

P. S. I really hope that a Blu-ray release of the film is coming soon, because I would love to own a copy of this masterpiece.

Well one could have lived (through this) without the song ... no pun intended. It is fitting to use of course when you think of the story and all that. Though still a weird bed time song to be sung by a mom. I do not blame her, she gives the best performance she I reckon. And while this is not an original song by Mariah Carey ... once you've heard her "version" ... it is not in the interest of anyone else to try to fill or try to recreate that. Yes I know nit-picking and all that, but I am writing a review and if I didn't mention it, I wouldn't feel right about it.

But enough about that - even though I am currently listening to it, while writing this ... ok I'll stop. The movie has some neat idea. It does not make a secret what or rather where it plays or gives you a big twist (oh that's where she was or what was happening in the "real" world). If you like fantasy, if you like to suspend your disbelief ... the movie does have some interesting and beautiful sets ... the girl ... let's say she is very young.

It would not be good or nice or anything to try to rate her or her performance by "normal" standards! She is especially good when she can freely express her emotions. Not all dialog works fine, but that is forgivable - or rather should be. That is up to you of course. In the end it may be a bit too long - too much lingering on some scenes, it could do with some tightening ... but it is a good movie to escape reality from ... and believe that there is something more ... after ... and in between.