Frog Catcher

I chose to write my first film review here because this film had no others (as of February 2021). Frog Catcher was confusing to me due to the lead actress' costuming and quiet voice, although that voice was the first hint that she was playing a female character. It appears that playground children's chanting was supposed to set up the story, but I couldn't understand them. The too-brief prologue and subtitles were too small, although I was impressed that those subtitles were not in the usual frustrating white-on-white. I tried to resist, but in the first 5 minutes I had to resort to my television's subtitles and rewind to be able to understand the story. The cast and sets all seemed to be professional, especially for a short. The last scene seemed out of place unless it was meant to be an off-angle soliloquy to the audience.

There's a delicate realism to this enchanting, surprising and transgressive film. Placed in an unexpected setting, the film's period details and its mannerisms in the acting make you feel as if you are peering through a time travel wormhole, seeing things as they actually were back then. I wasn't alive when the film takes place, and I am no historian, but it felt real.

The conflicted relationship portrayed beautifully by the film's actors, brought out my empathy. The drama of their story pulled me in. It was impossible not to care for them. Truth is, I saw this movie a few years ago, but it has stayed with me.

I highly recommend checking Frog Catcher out. And I'm looking forward to seeing the director's next work.