Written and directed by Sophy Romvari, in the late 1990s, eight-year-old Sasha and her Hungarian immigrant family relocate to a new home on Vancouver Island. Their fresh start is interrupted by increasingly dangerous behaviour from Jeremy, the family’s oldest child. Starring: Eylul Guven, Iringó Réti, Ádám Tompa, Edik Beddoes and Amy Zimmer.
When it comes to Blue Heron there are a couple of words that you’re more than likely going to find in any review, and those are: unique and unusual. That’s because the way that Sophy Romvari uses perspective and timeline in this film are genuinely unique and unusual. This is not casual viewing, it requires your full attention to truly appreciate everything that it’s achieving. The blend of drama and documentary, not just mixing but enveloping the fictional side with very real experience is impressive. It takes a moment to let it sink in but then it comes with a swift and deep emotional punch.
One that’s undoubtedly elevated by the performance from Amy Zimmer who is simply exceptional in this role. She has one particular monologue which is utterly heartbreaking and brings together every element of Blue Heron to perfection. That one singular moment captures all of the complex emotions at work because this story is one of debilitating frustration and despair. Something that’s also particularly exemplified by the performances from Iringó Réti and Ádám Tompa to show the parental experience, the desperation and helplessness.
It explores mental health and conditions that can be almost impossible to treat, leaving families suffering for years. The way Romvari communicates those emotions for the most part is in a contemplative way that reflects its intense sadness, which adds a thick, brooding atmosphere, that’s incredibly compelling. That’s then intensified by adding the different perspectives, having that reflection on the past as a reminder of how little was understood and the desperate wish to be able to help.
That’s taken even further when it’s supported by the absolutely stunning cinematography from Maya Bankovic. It’s filled with rich colours and an almost nostalgic aesthetic. Romvari’s direction really leans into the emotional nature of the story, it can tend to move in a way that reflects the feelings of the characters in that moment. It pensively wanders away from the characters, taking in the environment or it moves back and gives them space in quieter moments.
Blue Heron is remarkably thoughtful, extremely original and truly heartbreaking. It may be one that’s initially difficult to grasp and it may not work for everyone but if you really dig deep and let all of its intricacies wash over you, it’s very moving. There’s a terrifically talented cast at work and Amy Zimmer may have given one of the most complex, affecting performances of the year. It’s a unique piece of cinema that has a lot to say and is a fascinating example of letting real life blend into art.
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