Greatland

Greatland, directed by Dana Ziyasheva and released in 2020, is a fantastic piece of cinematic brilliance that expertly blends elements of dystopian fiction, science fiction, and teen drama. Although the movie could be assigned to several genres, it establishes a profound perspective on the world, society, and its norms through the eyes of its protagonist, Ulysses, played by Arman Darbo.

Greatland pans the camera onto a future human civilization known as Greatland, an idyllic dystopia that is presented as the epitome of stability and peace. Yet the film introduces viewers to the distinct rules and traditions of this society that are clearly divergent from most human societies known to us. In the world of Greatland, concepts of gender, family, and love have been redefined, and the unnatural order of things is dictated by an ominous entity – the "Mother".

The narrative of the movie is driven by a teen romance. Ulysses, a 15-year old, embarks on a journey to find his childhood love, Ugly Duck (played by Chloe Ray Warmoth), who we see has been ousted from Greatland for her rebellious tendencies. The film binds the viewers' attention through the unpredictable turns and twists, featuring somewhat unconventional storytelling elements. From mystical beings to diverse characters symbolizing different societal elements, the film presents a fascinating spectacle.

Nhya Cedon, as Cliodna, becomes an integral part of Ulysses' life and his journey. Her character delivers an impressive performance, adding layers of intrigue to the narrative. And of course, there is Shannon Briggs, as Mr. Lee, who provides a crucial guiding light for Ulysses. Briggs' charismatic portrayal adds depth to the dystopian narrative.

The film does not shy away from throwing into sharp relief the eccentricities of Greatland. The virtue system of giving and taking in society, customary birthday gifts to keep population in check, dominance of AI biohazards in industry, and schools teaching to 'unlearn' are all strikingly unique features. However, these quirks suggest profound commentaries on our own society's norms that are smartly woven into the narrative, offering thoughtful insights on gender, love, consumerism, and governance.

Underneath its fantastical backdrop, Greatland is essentially about growing up and finding love in a world that has been upended by its own ideologies. Ulysses, through his journey of love, begins to question the systems, the norms that were accepted as truths, and reflects a hard-hitting reality of our own societal conditioning.

The film makes use of some stunning visuals to bring its dystopian essence to life. Greatland's digital and physical realities are continuously overlapped through proficient use of graphics, rendering an immersive viewer experience. Coupled with an engaging background score, the film leaves a lasting impression.

Greatland, in its entirety, provides a thought-provoking cinematic experience. The film is a stark deviation from textbook dystopian cinema that primarily focuses on the struggle for survival. Instead, it takes the audience on a whirlwind journey through a society that functions on modified principles and ideals. It pushes boundaries, questions conventions, and nudges the viewers to rethink and challenge societal norms.

Despite its eccentric and somewhat bizarre narrative, Greatland delivers sharp social critique wrapped in the engaging threads of teen love, sympathetic rebellion, and a bizarre world. The spotlight is on Ulysses' changing perspectives and the interplay of various characters symbolizing various societal dimensions, setting the stage for a movie viewing experience that manages to be both entertaining and contemplative.

To summarise, Greatland is not merely a dystopian, teen love story; it is a cinematic piece filled with symbolic elements and profound commentaries on our societal structures and philosophies. The film, with its bold narrative, diverse characters, and unique world-building, is a celluloid manifestation of unconventional storytelling designed to intrigue, entertain, and engage.