Koko-di Koko-da

Koko-di Koko-da is a dark, intense, artistic production directed by Johannes Nyholm. The pivotal roles in the movie are skillfully portrayed by Leif Edlund Johansson, Ylva Gallon, and Katarina Jacobson. This Swedish horror and dark comedy drama released in 2019 plays along a trajectory laden with anxiety, loss, mystery, and intriguing symbolism, brilliantly merging the realms of the supernatural with painfully intense human emotions.

The plot is centered around Tobias (Leif Edlund Johansson) and Elin (Ylva Gallon), a couple dealing with grief after a devastating loss. Trying to mend their splintered relationship, they embark on a camping trip, believing that a change in setting would help them seek solace and find a foothold to heal. However, rather than finding the serenity they seek in the woods, they find themselves in a cruel, disorienting, and repeated nightmare.

This element of time loop injects an eerie yet captivating twist to the plot line, as Tobias and Elin continue to wake up to the same horrifying day over and over again. The pernicious trio they encounter in the woods, composed of an outsized, dandyish leader (Peter Belli), a silent giant with a pet dog (Morad Khatchadorian), and a ominous woman (Katarina Jacobson) with a dead pet, all of whom seem to be figments from a dark fantasy, heighten the sense of horror and bleakness. These characters, seemingly lifted out of a grotesque fairy-tale, bring about a grim, darkly comedic tone to the film.

The title of the film, Koko-di Koko-da, is derived from a French nursery rhyme, underscoring Nyholm's preoccupation with the theme of sinister childhood fears looming over adulthood. A symbolic music box playing this melancholy tune is a significant element recurrent in the movie, enhancing the eerie and uncanny scenario. It is these huge symbolic undercurrents that become an intrinsic component of the movie storyline.

What sets Koko-di Koko-da apart is its unconventional, unique way of storytelling. The director smartly employs shadow puppetry sequences at strategic intervals throughout the film. This not only breaks the violence of the loop, but also carries the narrative forward. The superb animation by Niki Lindroth von Bahr provides depth to the narrative, managing to stir emotions while keeping the story moving at a thoughtful pace.

Ylva Gallon and Leif Edlund Johansson deliver remarkable performances, effectively portraying a couple tortured by their past and constant psychological torment. The blend of horror, psychological drama, and the occasional comedy becomes even more potent with a bizarre mix of characters. Peter Belli, Morad Khatchadorian, and Katarina Jacobson, add additional dimensions, making the narrative even more rich and riveting.

The cinematography by Tobias Höiem-Flyckt and Johan Lundborg is beautifully crafted, combining with the excellent production design to accentuate the surreal and grim element underlying the storyline. The tonality and the ambiance created by the team is unsettling yet strangely hypnotizing, constantly keeping the audience on tenterhooks.

The film, at its core, is a disconcerting exploration of grief and loss. Appearing as an eerie, offbeat piece, it encapsulates a tragic episode of life in a narrative that veers between reality and macabre fantasy fields. It masterfully treads the thin line between horror and drama, creating an impact that leaves the viewers entranced, confused, and discomfortingly moved all at once.

However, Koko-di Koko-da isn't a conventional horror flick. It rejects the usual tropes and instead lures you into its seething undercurrents of unsettling surrealism and emotional trauma. The movie is challenging and may not be everyone's cup of tea. However, for viewers who don't shy away from a gripping, intense cinematic experience that doesn't rely on prevalent horror clichés, this movie is indeed a must-watch.

In conclusion, Koko-di Koko-da is a mind-bending journey painted with deeply disturbing yet moving sequences that invite you to take a closer look at personal grief through the prism of unwavering horror and macabre symbology. The impressive performances, ingenious direction, dark humor, and compelling plot make it an unforgettable experience.