French filmmaker Bertrand Mandico's consistent artistic influences is on full display in his latest feature film "She is Conann”. His signature style - a combination of poetic dialogue, groundbreaking gender fluidity, and glitter - is encapsulated in this invigoratingly unique film that has become his finest work thus far.
The film narrates a captivating storyline that follows the life journey and experiences of a barbarian queen named Conann, portrayed through various stages of her life by different actresses. From her emergence into violence at 15, performed by Claire Duburcq, to her evolution into an elderly matriarch, each decade introduces a new phase in her life and a new actor portraying her. Major milestones of her life are highlighted by characters like Christa Théret as the boastful warrior and Sandra Parfait as a lovesick stuntwoman tossed across time.
A notable constant in Queen Conann’s life evolution is a character named Rainer, masterly played by Elina Löwensohn. Rainer is a grotesque, dog-faced oracle documenting Conann's life and guiding her through her barbarian journey with his Instamatic camera and poignant dialogue.
The film interestingly infuses barbarism as a feminine trait, with Rainer being the only primary male character, portrayed by a woman. This leads to a free-flowing exploration of sapphic relationships in the film, reinforced by Conann's intense romance with Sanja, a character masterfully portrayed by Julia Riedler. The film further encapsulates a queer narrative beyond its lesbian undertones, as displayed by its glittery aesthetics and stern women wielding broadswords.
The film boasts an interchangeable production design courtesy of Anna Le Mouël, a first-time collaborator with Mandico. Initial scenes are filled with whiskers, gorilla-like fur costumes, and shabby artificial snow, whereas the latter parts take a stark transformation. Throughout the film, the cinematography alternates between black-and-white and color, conforming to the director Mandico and cinematographer Nicolas Eveilleau’s vision.
"She Is Conann" showcases explicit gore in a highly stylized fashion as it graphically explores the brutality associated with barbarism. The film exhibits a detour into self-reflective satire, especially in a scene where a cluster of artists must choose between cannibalism or poverty. The scene, grotesque in appearance, is digestible due to the actors’ exquisite portrayal.
The film demonstrates Mandico's strong vision translated through his exceptional team proving him to be a powerful auteur. While the narrative and characters might not be the primary focus, the savage portrayal of "Conann" liberates Mandico's directorial prowess, resulting in a glittery feminist icon.
