Page 21 - FILM
P. 21
FILM
© Image Source
Marla
When it comes to making an impression, Nick King’s unconventional love story Marla really takes the cake.
Whether that cake is a tasty morsel is debatable. The story opens with a boy meets girl set up. You get the
sense that this will take an unexpected turn, which it does. As the two firt, we learn that the girl (played
by the glowing Eddie Ritchard) has what is called a ‘shunt’ at the back of her neck, which allows fuid to
drain out of her brain so that it doesn’t get clogged up and result in a violent seizure. Whether by accident
or intention, the boy played by Dale March gets a little too curious, and causes her to have a seizure while
they are getting a little amorous. Initially being turned of by the shocking experience, she forces him to
constantly play with the shunt while they are in bed together, resulting in possibly the most gratuitous
(and violent) love making scene I’ve witnessed recently.
It’s about as gut-wrenching as it sounds. As far as 180 degree shifts in expectations go, they don’t get
much more insane. This is not a flm you’d want to watch with your parents (I felt awkward enough sitting
well people I didn’t know). The flm even begins with what seems like an awkwardly comedic tone, but
based on the dramatic shift, you have to wonder if the laughs were intended (I’m saying yes, since it was
the best way to put the audience at ease before the rug pull).
As far as the narrative is concerned, it is clear that it is meant to be taken as a parable for the pain experienced
when engaging in sexual activity for the frst time (particularly a woman’s pain). It is frightening, ugly and
to paraphrase Ritchard’s character, “gets inside your head”. The scenes in question are terrifying, hard to
watch and get inside the mind of the viewer. The performers sell the hell out of this material. However, it
is unavoidable that a metaphorical piece is making a statement, and based on the end climax, it is unclear
what the statement here is, or more worryingly, whether there is a statement being made. Or is this flm is
just an exercise in disgusting material? If the purpose of this flm was just to leave its audience gasping at
the gratuity, then job well done. As for the gratuity itself, was that necessary? For the sake of my stomach,
Marla is not a flm I will want to revisit anytime soon. But credit where credit is due, it is not a flm I will
soon forget.
Independent Media Inspiring Minds 21
© Image Source
Marla
When it comes to making an impression, Nick King’s unconventional love story Marla really takes the cake.
Whether that cake is a tasty morsel is debatable. The story opens with a boy meets girl set up. You get the
sense that this will take an unexpected turn, which it does. As the two firt, we learn that the girl (played
by the glowing Eddie Ritchard) has what is called a ‘shunt’ at the back of her neck, which allows fuid to
drain out of her brain so that it doesn’t get clogged up and result in a violent seizure. Whether by accident
or intention, the boy played by Dale March gets a little too curious, and causes her to have a seizure while
they are getting a little amorous. Initially being turned of by the shocking experience, she forces him to
constantly play with the shunt while they are in bed together, resulting in possibly the most gratuitous
(and violent) love making scene I’ve witnessed recently.
It’s about as gut-wrenching as it sounds. As far as 180 degree shifts in expectations go, they don’t get
much more insane. This is not a flm you’d want to watch with your parents (I felt awkward enough sitting
well people I didn’t know). The flm even begins with what seems like an awkwardly comedic tone, but
based on the dramatic shift, you have to wonder if the laughs were intended (I’m saying yes, since it was
the best way to put the audience at ease before the rug pull).
As far as the narrative is concerned, it is clear that it is meant to be taken as a parable for the pain experienced
when engaging in sexual activity for the frst time (particularly a woman’s pain). It is frightening, ugly and
to paraphrase Ritchard’s character, “gets inside your head”. The scenes in question are terrifying, hard to
watch and get inside the mind of the viewer. The performers sell the hell out of this material. However, it
is unavoidable that a metaphorical piece is making a statement, and based on the end climax, it is unclear
what the statement here is, or more worryingly, whether there is a statement being made. Or is this flm is
just an exercise in disgusting material? If the purpose of this flm was just to leave its audience gasping at
the gratuity, then job well done. As for the gratuity itself, was that necessary? For the sake of my stomach,
Marla is not a flm I will want to revisit anytime soon. But credit where credit is due, it is not a flm I will
soon forget.
Independent Media Inspiring Minds 21
