Written and directed by DK Welchman and Hugh Welchman, co-written by Wladyslaw Stanislaw Reymont, Jagna is a young woman determined to forge her own path in a late 19th century Polish village – a hotbed of gossip and on-going feuds, held together, rich and poor, by adherence to colorful traditions and deep-rooted patriarchy. Voiced by: Kamila Urzedowska, Robert Gulaczyk, Miroslaw Baka, Sonia Mietielica, Ewa Kasprzyk, Cyprian Grabowski and Mateusz Rusin.
Making an animated film that perfectly captures the aesthetic of a painting come to life, with the help of painters of course, is undeniably an achievement in itself from the makers of The Peasants. Not only that but the stylistic and palette choices that they make lends an authentic feel to the film, encapsulating the period. In turn that then helps to lift the film from its bleak roots, the story may be harsh and unforgiving but the visual finds the light, energy and personality within it.
One of the most unexpected elements of The Peasants is how it practically drifts into horror territory in its latter moments. As the most drastic scenes of its plot take hold, it has a frenzied and dark energy which gives a view into an alternate route this film could have taken that would have been fascinating to watch. The story we do see however is one of the hardships of being a woman in a world that doesn’t value them, it’s nothing new and inescapably depressing by the final scenes. It portrays a demanding, unrewarding and claustrophobic lifestyle that leads to little other than judgement and conflict.
While that may sound resoundingly miserable, there is still something to be found within its bleakness, which is helped by the strong voice cast. Particularly with Kamila Urzedowska leading the way as Jagna, providing not only a sympathetic edge but also a great deal of personality. She’s strong willed, committed and forthright but also has a slightly devious or cheeky side, seeking to find pleasure to life and not willing to be shamed for it. The rest of the cast provide the other side of that coin, the judging, insulting and manipulative factors, there’s a true aggression to their performances which helps to build a very tense atmosphere.
DK Welchman and Hugh Welchman recapture the success of Loving Vincent with The Peasants. The mix of traditional paintings and animation is a delight to watch, the movement is captivating and unusual. It sets the tone for a period piece effortlessly but it’s presenting a story which doesn’t always have a lot to offer. The aesthetic gives a rich visual, but the writing is bleak, it’s quite a simple tale of the patriarchy and not exactly something we need more of in the current landscape.
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