Austrian director Adrian Goiginger, known for "The Best of Old Worlds," a film about his personal childhood experiences, has once again drawn inspiration from his family history in his latest project, "The Fox." The story tells the life experiences of his great-grandfather, Franz Streitberger from his childhood up to his service as a soldier during World War II. Listeners can hear Streitberger’s voice through a recording made by Goiginger explaining the events portrayed, at the end of the movie.
“The Fox” introduces viewers to young Franz (Maximilian Reinwald) in 1927, living amidst poverty in the Austrian mountains. He's given away to a wealthy farmer by his parents who are unable to support him, and subsequently spends the next 10 years working as a farmhand. This upbringing leaves Franz with trust issues and difficulty forming connections with others. He signs up for military service in 1937, mostly for financial security than any political agenda. As World War II starts, Franz, now a motorcycle courier, finds a wounded baby fox in the woods. He secretly tends to the fox's injury and takes it with him as he fulfills his military duty.
This unusual companionship with the fox sparks a desire for human connection in Franz that he had long denied himself. As the narrative turns to Franz spending time with a local woman in France, he faces the reality of his stronger bond with the fox than with other humans. The brutal nature of war eventually forces Franz to part ways with the fox, shedding light on the harsh realities of war.
“The Fox” highlights the struggle of an emotionally detached man trying to navigate intense past trauma, and simultaneously delves into humanity's potential for compassion when unexpectedly crossing paths with an animal. The film tries to balance these diverse themes while attempting to be both credible and emotionally impactful.
Some viewers found themselves resonating deeply with the film's narrative, but others felt it could have explored the themes of war and companionship more deeply. Some wished for a more in-depth exploration of Streitberger’s war activities and his emotional turmoil over it, believing that such a version would have done more justice to his story.
Despite these criticisms, “The Fox” is stylistically impressive, with co-cinematographers Yoshi Heimrath and Paul Sprinz adopting a distinctive approach to their filmmaking. The visuals suggest a semblance of life breathed into a scrapbook. However, the film’s emotional impact may vary depending on the viewer. While it indeed expounds on love, humanity, and the horrors of war, some viewers may find it lacks depth or innovation in its storytelling.
