Crestone

Crestone unfolds as an intriguing mélange of documentary reality and mystical fiction placed in the rugged landscapes of Colorado’s Crestone Desert. It divulges a tantalizing yet deeply philosophical portrayal of a bunch of social media renegade artists who found solace and purpose in the parched ruggedness of Crestone's landscape.

Directed by Marnie Hertzler, the film is an amalgamation of docu-fiction narrative. It exhibits her former Vine and SoundCloud friends, who have now gained existence as survivalists and growers in Crestone, Colorado. The characters masterfully woven into this intricate tapestry include Huckleberry, Keem, and Mijo Mehico among others.

In this film, Huckleberry is presented as a driftwood artist and sculptor, living harmoniously with nature. Keem and Mijo Mehico emerge as growers concentrating on marijuana cultivation, showcasing their deep bond with the earth and their efforts to live off the land, richly presented through the film's empathetic narrative. The movie is an intriguing account of their community and their unconventional lifestyle that echoes remnants of counter-culture movements while mingling with the contemporary world of the digital age.

The main narrative pans out in beautifully woven clusters of everyday life, be it cooking, hanging out, making music, or just being caught in the mundane yet profound banter. The film radiates a soothing pace, gesturing towards the essence of being and living each moment.

The Crestone's striking and desolate beauty functions as an intensely powerful character in the film, providing an alter ego to each artist's struggle of existence and identity. Sprinkled with mysterious allure, the burning yet serene landscapes simultaneously capture the daunting harshness of survival and the peace of solitude that nature offers.

Crestone also functions as an ode to DIY aesthetics. The film doesn't shy away from depicting the group's enthusiastic involvement in making music, turning houses into recording studios, and internet platforms into their stage. This aspect uncloaks a lot about the changed world of music, from mainstream platforms to embracing the internet culture, echoic of the group's personas who have redefined the concept of self-reliance and creativity.

While primarily set in a documentary format, the film seamlessly braids metaphysical elements like UFO sightings, strange historical accounts, and imaginary creatures. Marnie Hertzler also involves herself in the film as the narrator and as a friend, adding a personal touch to the intricate storytelling. Her involvement signifies a deep connect between the characters and the narrative, making the overall film experience more grounded and authentic.

The film's cinematography deserves special mention. It ebbs and flows with the narrative, capturing Crestone's unflinching beauty in all its sprawling glory and the everyday instances of the group with equal brilliance. Whether it's a beautiful sunrise, the comic wandering of a pet iguana, or the meticulous process of marijuana cultivation, exceptional moments have been captured in their raw essence, showcasing life in its stark reality.

There is also a conspicuous thematic undercurrent of environmental consciousness throughout the film. The protagonists have mostly gone off the grid. They live off the land, growing their food, utilizing solar power, and creating music all in an eco-friendly manner. This strikes a poignant chord about the climate crisis and places the narrative in a broader spectrum of conversations about sustainable living.

In essence, Crestone is a unique and poignant exploration of human relationships, harmony with nature, self-reliance, friendship, creativity, life off the grid, solitude, and the intricate latticework of the digital age. This film works as a profound commentary on the societal norms and conventions of living.

As much as the film discusses the lives of its eccentric characters, it speaks wider existential contemplations about the tireless human quest for meaning, purpose, and finally, liberation. It is an invitation to slow down and introspect on the transient beauty of existence, deeply echoing in the quietly burning landscapes of Crestone. It discloses a world where disparate elements, like the rugged beauty of a desert, the world of social media, and the human longing for connection and meaning, coexist in an intriguing harmony.

In closing, Crestone is less of a conventional film and more a symphony of nature, music, friendship, and survival that keeps you engaged and introspect the various shades of life and existence. Whether audience fancy a stark narrative about a unique community of survivalist artists or look for a meditative exploration about life and existence, Crestone undoubtedly presents a treat for the senses.