austin0731 Review of I WeirDO

I WeirDO (2020)

Latest in Taiwanese experimental filmmaking, does it have what it takes?

[7/10 · 10 August 2020]

It was a real treat to see this movie that's I believe is a step forward for Taiwanese experimental cinema. This film certainly balances warm hearted rom-com with heartbreaking melodrama, all in the package of a quirky film about the love and relationship of two OCD patients. The filmmaker does a great job with his impressive camera work, physical direction and set design that is just short of Wes Anderson's own signature style. This is a style that I rarely see in Taiwanese cinema and any attempts at innovation should be applauded, I really enjoyed the first section of this film but it makes a drastic final shift at the midway point of the film, while it does not divulge into a full on soap opera I think it resorts to too much of the tropes of a relationship gone bad and loses track at around this point in the film, the twist at the end also leaves a lot to be improved upon. This turn of events is problematic not just in the way in which it turns a very conceptually fascinating romance into the cliche but also in its poor timing that challenges the films pacing. I would make the comparison to that of last years breakout star, Korea's Parasite, a film that similarly implores a quirky tone that standalone makes a fascinating story; however in this case the point in which the film is supposed to have a shift of tone is executed poorly, resulting in disappointment. However, for what this film brings to the table and the core message about relationship I'm in no way putting this film down, it has potential, he beautiful form but unfortunately is just shy of making the shot.