SXSW Snapshots: 'We Are Storror' leaps and 'Slanted' coasts
WE ARE STORROR
Courtesy of SXSW
Taking a giant leap into the non-fiction space for the first time, Michael Bay brings his signature flair for theatrics (and plenty of drone shots) to the thrilling parkour documentary “We Are Storror.” It follows a UK-based group of seven athletes—Josh, Drew, Callum, Sacha, Benji, Max, and Toby—who have amassed a significant online following. The film showcases not only their intimate friendships but also the skill, precision, and, ultimately, the dangers of a sport where, as the opening scene will tell you, one false move could spell disaster.
It’s the perfect marriage of filmmaker and content, though fans might be disappointed by the absence of explosions. “We Are Storror” offers a compelling look behind the curtain of these men’s lives, although some parts feel emotionally hollow. There’s a distance between the material as it tries to juggle various challenges (YouTube demonetization, injuries, and life in general) alongside the parkour elements. That said, it's hard to deny the infectious energy of watching these daredevils traverse the globe—whether it’s leaping across rooftops in Hong Kong or descending a massive concrete stairwell in Bulgaria. These guys are the real deal, and “We Are Storror” does their talents immense justice.
Grade: B+
WE ARE STORROR world premiered at the SXSW film festival. It is currently seeking distribution.
SLANTED
Courtesy of SXSW
A little “Mean Girls” meets “The Substance,” Amy Wang’s “Slanted” offers an energetic take on body dysphoria, though its execution and tone can feel somewhat jumbled. Presented largely as a satire, the film follows high school senior Joan Huang (Shirley Chen, excellent) and her obsessive desire to stand out. Throughout her life, her ultimate goal has been to become prom queen. When the most popular girl at school (played by a great performance from Olivia Hammond), decides not to compete, Joan sees an opportunity and is willing to go to extreme lengths to earn her endorsement.
It’s here that “Slanted” veers into uncharted territory, setting itself apart from your typical social critique. In Wang’s world, Joan undergoes a controversial surgery that will physically transform her into a white person. And that’s exactly what she does. Before long, Joan resembles actress Mckenna Grace, and her parents are horrified. This narrative leap is striking, and while “Slanted” earns style points for sparking engaging debate on the pervasive racism in modern society, the film struggles to balance its tones. Is it supposed to be funny? Terrifying? A bit of both? “Slanted” bounces between genres, creating a flurry of uneven vibes.
The final act takes an even darker turn, culminating in a grotesque scene that only adds to the film’s already clunky nature. While I admired the boldness of what the film attempts to say and achieve, the final product doesn’t fully deliver on its potential. That said, I’m curious to see how Wang follows up this ambitious, though imperfect, effort.
Grade: B-
SLANTED world premiered at the SXSW Film Festival. It is currently seeking US distribution.
