Watch Strawberry Mansion

Strawberry Mansion is a surreal, whimsical film directed by Albert Birney and Kentucker Audley, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2021. The movie focuses on the life of an elderly tax collector named James, played by Kentucker Audley, who is sent to audit an eccentric woman named Bella, played by Penny Fuller. As James enters Bella's dream-laden home, he realizes that she is more than just a quirky old lady. Bella's house is filled with strange and magical narratives, with each room revealing a new story. James is shown a fantastical world of memories and dreams that incorporate the absurd, the fantastical, and the weird.

As the movie progresses, James attempts to uncover the tax fraud Bella committed. But, as he spends more time in her house, he discovers a connection between her and his past life, which leads to a cascade of memories and surreal moments.

Throughout the movie, the color palette used is muted pastels, which are reminiscent of a dream sequence. The decor is like a hodgepodge of eras, with each room resembling a different decade, bringing a sense of nostalgia to the film.

The performances are strong, and the ensemble cast is impressive. Penny Fuller is a standout, who shines in the role of the eccentric Bella. She delivers her character's whimsical lines with so much authenticity and charm that the audience can't help but fall in love with her.

The film's surreal aspect was created by the use of practical effects, which makes all the fantastic and magical elements feel more tangible. The special effects enhance this dreamlike quality, making it more compelling.

What makes Strawberry Mansion special is its ability to combine the strange and whimsical with the mundane. The movie moves between dreamlike, magical, and dark themes with ease, which keeps the viewer engaged.

The writing is clever and thought-provoking. The film explores themes such as memory, love, and the human experience, which are all done in such a way that it doesn't feel pretentious or overbearing.

The pacing is slow, but it is necessary, as it allows the audience to appreciate and absorb the numerous visual and narrative elements of Strawberry Mansion. In a way, the movie rewards viewers for their patience and attention, as the payoff is worth it.

In conclusion, Strawberry Mansion is an excellent movie that utilizes visual effects to create a whimsical, surreal world. The performances are strong, and the writing is clever and thought-provoking. The film may not appeal to everyone, and its pacing might turn off some viewers, but those who stay will be rewarded with a unique, unforgettable experience.

Strawberry Mansion is a 2021 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 74.