Extracting something extraordinary from the ordinary can be done in a number of ways and with varying results. In terms of film, the difference between success and failure often lies in the filmmakers ability to find the right balance between familiarity and peculiarity. In his intriguing first feature "Molly in the World", filmmaker Henrik Pilerud manages to achieve a satisfying tension between these two states of perception.
This is an independent film and Pilerud harnesses meagre means to great effect. Although the soundtrack may at first feel intrusive, the palette brazenly bold and the sudden introduction of a blend between live action and animation quirkily unexpected, these features retain enough subtlety to help give this story a unique and engaging edge. Veteran actor and Swedish national treasure Sven Wollter's dulcet narration sets the esoteric tone and the charismatic Yohanna Idha impresses as Molly in her feature debut. This can indeed be seen as visionary casting by Pilerud because Idha went on to become an award winning actress in her native Sweden.
Molly lives in a seemingly timeless and geographically unspecified world where an unorthodox blend of costumes, props and locations both captivate and alienate. She suffers doubts and frustrations familiar to us all. But when her fears and misgivings begin to manifest themselves, then nothing in Molly's world progresses in a foreseeable manner. Following this endearingly vulnerable and confused character through her myriad of mainly self-imposed conundrums becomes an experience as unsettling as it is compelling.
Most films fit into a specific genre, but you will not be able to pigeonhole or categorize Pilerud's quirky pièce de résistance. Neither will you remain unmoved by it. Molly in the World makes a deep and lasting impression.
