Have you ever wondered how a film can simultaneously be a psychedelic dream, a philosophical essay, and an avant-garde composition? Allow me to introduce you to 'We Are the Flesh' (Spanish: Tenemos la Carne), released in 2016 by Emiliano Rocha Minter in Mexico. This avant-garde horror film invites its audience into a unique cinematic experience that thrives on breaking the boundaries of conventional storytelling and visual aesthetics.
Setting the Scene: Who, What, When, Where, and Why
'We Are the Flesh' is the brainchild of Mexican director Emiliano Rocha Minter, who set out to create a visceral spectacle with his debut feature. Released in 2016, this movie offers viewers an intricate tapestry of human emotions, desires, and the raw, visceral aspects of human nature, all playing out in dystopian surroundings within an abandoned building in a post-apocalyptic Mexico City.
Inspired by the director's fascination with human nature and philosophical nuances, the film strips down societal norms and embraces chaos. But why? Minter believes that to truly understand humanity, one must look beyond the veneer of civilization, into the primal core that defines us.
A Glimpse into the Plot
While 'We Are the Flesh' may challenge traditional narrative structures, a rough outline of its plot can still be appreciated for its innovative narrative. We follow siblings Mariano and Fauna, portrayed by Noé Hernández and María Evoli, who stumble upon an unsettling hermitic figure living in the ruins of society. This enigmatic individual, superbly played by Hernández, profoundly impacts the siblings with his relentless and disturbing philosophies.
Together, the trio embarks on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, where boundaries between reality and delusion fade. The film is filled with ritualistic scenes, primal desires, and a transformation that blurs the lines between madness and enlightenment, ultimately contributing to a compelling reflection on freedom and entropy.
Visual and Stylistic Brilliance
Minter's 'We Are the Flesh' is visually arresting. The film incorporates visionary color palettes, elaborate set designs, and an otherworldly atmosphere. The cinematography by Yoliceth Bórquez enhances the narrative by crafting an immersive experience that dwells on surreal and abstract representations.
The visual elements echo the film's thematic intentions — to jar the audience out of their comfort zone, forcing them to confront the beauty and horror of untamed desire. The chaotic yet calculated sequences frame each scene as a painting, wherein the mise-en-scène blends the grotesque with the magnificent.
Philosophical Underpinnings
Underneath its haunting exterior, the film holds a mirror to the primal human instincts we often hide. Minter examines through his narrative and characters how societal constructs give way to base impulses when confronted by extreme circumstances. It pushes boundaries exploring themes rooted in existentialism and the freedom from self-imposed shackles of morality.
While some films hint at the unpredictability of human nature, 'We Are the Flesh' makes it the centerpiece. The absence of guiding moral compasses or established societal orders asks audiences to rethink understood conventions. The film posits that understanding our faults — embracing chaos — can lead to profound revelations.
Cultural Impact and Reception
Since its debut at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in 2016, 'We Are the Flesh' has garnered both admiration and criticism, reflective of its polarizing content. It has since become a staple in discussions around modern avant-garde cinema, capturing the attention of audiences curious enough to explore its depths.
Critics have lauded the film's boldness and innovative approach, while others have struggled with its stark and unsettling imagery. Despite differing opinions, Emiliano Rocha Minter's creation stands as a genuinely significant entry in Mexico's ever-evolving cinematic landscape.
Final Thoughts
'We Are the Flesh' is not merely a film but an experience—a visual and philosophical exploration of humanity's hidden truths depicted through a lens both shocking and beautiful. For those willing to embrace cinema that challenges, intrigues, and probes into the recesses of our shared subconscious, this film promises an unforgettable journey born from the raw edges of creativity and human insight.
As a testament to the boundless possibilities within art, Emiliano Rocha Minter's 'We Are the Flesh' excels at inviting its audience to explore both light and dark realms, depicting a part of cinema where boundaries disappear, and the exploration of humanity thrives with existential zest.