Magic Farm (2025) - Film Review

      **Magic Farm, 2025**

      **Written and Directed by Amalia Ulman**

      **Starring Chloë Sevigny, Alex Wolff, Simon Rex, Amalia Ulman, Joe Apollonio, Camila del Campo, and Valeria Lois.**

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      A media crew inadvertently finds themselves in the wrong country while attempting to profile a musician. As they work with locals to create a viral trend, relationships develop amidst a growing health crisis.

      The prologue of writer/director/co-star Amalia Ulman’s *Magic Farm* sets the stage for a film that appears to have a clear vision, whether that idea is compelling, tired, or will offer interesting satire. The opening presents a self-absorbed and garish documentary crew led by Chloë Sevigny’s Edina, who is preparing to cover a story about humorous Mexican hats (or something along those lines). This hints that their interest in other cultures might merely be a façade or misguided, portraying the stereotypical ignorance of Americans. The film seems poised to critique zany news coverage and influencer culture, which could have been effective if done well.

      However, after the crew travels to Argentina for another ridiculous story that seems unlikely to engage genuinely curious individuals—prompted by their blunder of going to the wrong country, forcing them to concoct alternative plans—Ulman’s film shifts away from its farcical tone, overestimating viewer interest in the personal drama of these Americans.

      This includes Simon Rex’s Dave, Edina's husband, who exits early (only reappearing via FaceTime) to deal with some sexual misconduct allegations that everyone seems to know about except his wife. Similarly, Alex Wolff’s Jeff, who may have transmitted an STD to his ex and regularly sleeps around without regard for others' feelings, is constantly seeking casual encounters. He catches the attention of Manchi (Camila del Campo), a digitally savvy romantic with visible skin conditions, eager to connect with an American.

      At the same time, Justin (Joe Apollonio) forms a friendship with the kind father of the hotel receptionist (Guillermo Jacubowicz), aiding him in confronting personal issues stemming from his own relationship with his father. Also part of the crew is Elena (Amalia Ulman), an Argentine-American translator who is early in her pregnancy.

      As the crew interacts with locals—some of whom are much more engaging than the Americans—cinematographer Carlos Rigo employs a documentary style while heavily using fisheye lens shots likely intended to represent the awkward cluelessness of Americans navigating an unfamiliar land and customs. There’s a clear recognition of the locals' humanity in Ulman’s perspective, as well as an exploration of the troubling nature of contemporary news and what issues are often overlooked, which can put citizens at risk.

      Regrettably, the comedic turn towards forming a fake cult with the town locals is not as amusing or captivating as it sounds. Furthermore, *Magic Farm* becomes overly focused on the chaotic lives of its American characters, leading to unsatisfactory storylines and characterizations that diminish the potential for satire. In its defense, a one-dimensional film featuring foolish Americans would also have tested viewers' patience.

      There are richer stories and drama to uncover among the locals, particularly through Mateo, a uniquely different dwarf who is frequently underestimated because of his disabilities. He consistently surprises Jeff by revealing aspects of life that could have heightened the film's impact. Unfortunately, *Magic Farm* lacks the magic one might expect.

      **Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★**

      Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association, Critics Choice Association, and Online Film Critics Society. He is also the Reviews Editor for Flickering Myth. Check here for new reviews and follow my BlueSky or Letterboxd.