Directed by Jim Hosking, renowned as his eccentric deadpan absurdist style, the movie delivers a strange comedic tale which seems similar to an epic sketch by a famous comedy duo. Moviegoers could end up chuckling almost as if of surrender, struggling to accept the constant and absurd exchanges shared by its pair of actors.
The Story
Taking place in a coastal region in 1981, the story features an artist named Paul using a faux northern English tone. He receives a guest making his way via a small boat over stormy ocean. Enter a blind African American superstar referred to as Stevie, yet somehow appears to notice and imitate his host's oddest gesture: a cheerful approval sign.
Both men are played by Sky Elobar alongside his co-star, two of the director’s frequent actors.
Odd Adventures
Over tea, a strong spirit, and some cannabis, their talks unfold as if beings from different worlds coming together on unfamiliar ground. Their dynamic changes from wariness and dislike, until arriving at a grudging acceptance. Their connection survives by shared experiences like taking a dip in freezing ocean, outfitting like farm animals and making animal sounds, alongside further unusual adventures.
A Musical Inspiration?
Does this strange meeting truly inspire the conditions that produce legendary talents to produce among the ultimate famous unity-themed pop songs in history? Maybe. However not once does the film really discuss the song, experiment with tunes, or compose verses – probably because of rights concerns. Still, it offers laughs such as the character again and again yells “Scottish cottage” in his US dialect. Such nonsense remains a rare pleasure.
