Movie Info:
Ricocheting between comedy, apocalyptic horror, and swooning soap opera, Rumours follows the seven leaders of the world’s wealthiest democracies at the annual G7 summit, where they attempt to draft a provisional statement regarding a global crisis. With unexpected, uproarious performances from a brilliant ensemble cast that includes Cate Blanchett, Alicia Vikander, and Charles Dance, these so-called leaders become spectacles of incompetence, contending with increasingly surreal obstacles in the misty woods as night falls and they realize they are suddenly alone. A genre-hopping satire of political ineptitude, the latest film from incomparable directors Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson is a journey into the absurd heart of power and institutional failure in a slowly burning world.Content expanded.
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Review:
In Guy Maddin‘s wild new adventure, *Rumours*, you’ll find a delightful mix of horror, satire, and slapstick humor amid a quirky backdrop of undead geopolitics. The film features Cate Blanchett as Hilda Ortmann, Germany’s composed yet ever-so-slightly anxious Chancellor, and the charmingly confident Charles Dance as Edison Wolcott, the unflappable U.S. President. Together, they lead us through a whirlwind of chaos, misunderstandings, and comically gory moments that keep the characters and the audience on their toes.
Set against the stunning backdrop of a remote Scottish castle during a lively G7 summit, this film kicks off with a grand ceremony and some lighthearted banter as world leaders chat about trade, climate change, and even what’s on the buffet! Things take an unexpected twist when the castle’s quirky groundskeeper, played with great energy by Udo Kier, stumbles upon ancient bog bodies. This surprising discovery brings to life a charmingly witty group of friendly zombies! The film quickly turns the chaos into a fun and playful adventure, highlighting how diplomacy can take a hilarious turn when the delightful undead start causing mischief.
Cate Blanchett anchors the film with a performance that straddles high drama and slapstick with dazzling ease. As Chancellor Ortmann, she delivers fiery monologues about unity and responsibility, only to slip on zombie entrails in the next scene. Her comedic timing is as sharp as her character’s pantsuits, and she navigates Maddin’s surreal dialogue like a pro. Charles Dance, meanwhile, lends his steely gravitas to President Wolcott, whose unflappable arrogance leads to increasingly absurd decision-making. Whether pontificating about “American exceptionalism” as zombies swarm or attempting to negotiate with a brain-eating diplomat, Dance is a comedic gem.
The film brings a unique blend of horror that’s classic Maddin: a mix of eerie, quirky, and strangely beautiful. The bog bodies, with their mossy hair and empty eyes, are creepy and amusing, delivering deadpan lines that cleverly poke fun at today’s politics. While *Rumours* is a horror film, it leans more towards the fun side of camp rather than genuine scares. The frights are mild, but the absurdity is cranked up to the max, ensuring that even the more shocking moments are not overwhelming.
When you look at Maddin’s earlier films like the beautifully poetic *My Winnipeg* or the dreamlike *Brand Upon the Brain!*, *Rumours* feels a bit lighter and less personal. It’s more accessible to a broader audience but may not be as daring. While it trades some of that unique experimental touch for a wider appeal, it still keeps enough of Maddin’s quirky charm to make it enjoyable among the many zombie comedies out there!
In the end, *Rumours* shines as a fun absurdist comedy and a quirky satire, even if its horror elements aren’t the main focus. While it might not be Maddin’s most significant work, it’s a delightfully entertaining ride that shows off his talent for mixing high art with down-to-earth humor.
If you’re a fan of Maddin’s quirky brilliance or just curious about how world leaders would handle a zombie apocalypse, you won’t miss *Rumours*! It’s now streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime, and trust me, the outcomes are pretty hilarious—spoiler alert: things don’t go well for them! Enjoy the show!
Grade: B+. Streaming on Showtime.
Credits:
Directed by
Written by
- Guy Maddin
- Evan Johnson
Galen Johnson
Produced by
- Liz Jarvis
- Lars Knudsen
- Philipp Kreuzer
Starring
- Cate Blanchett
- Roy Dupuis
- Nikki Amuka-Bird
- Rolando Ravello
- Takehiro Hira
- Zlatko Burić
- Alicia Vikander
Cinematography
Stefan Ciupek
Music by
Kristian Eidnes Andersen
Production
companies
- Square Peg
- Buffalo Gal Pictures
- Maze Pictures
Distributed by
- Elevation Pictures[1](Canada)
- Plaion Pictures[1](Germany)
Release dates
- 18 May 2024(Cannes)
- 18 October 2024(United States)
Running time
104 minutes[2]
Countries
- Canada
- Germany
Language
English
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