ZoyaPatel

'Magic Farm' captures satirical charm of Americans abroad

Mumbai

Amalia Ulman's "Magic Farm" delivers a quirky satire of a documentary crew's misadventures in rural Argentina.

Amalia Ulman and Joe Apollonio, center, in the film “Magic Farm.” (c) Mubi
Amalia Ulman and Joe Apollonio, center, in the film “Magic Farm.” (c) Mubi

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Amalia Ulman’s Magic Farm makes a strong case for her growing reputation as an inventive filmmaker, offering a unique take on the Americans-abroad satire genre. This Magic Farm movie review looks into how Ulman’s second feature cleverly blends comedy, social commentary, and indie flair, creating a project that, while imperfect, remains compelling.

Set far from the bustling streets of New York, Magic Farm follows a documentary crew that accidentally lands in the wrong country while chasing a quirky subculture for a TV segment. Instead of finding their intended story, the team discovers themselves stranded in rural Argentina. The premise sets the stage for a whimsical, sometimes biting look at cultural misunderstanding and media absurdity, a hallmark of Ulman’s playful storytelling.

Justin, played by Joe Apollonio, and Elena, portrayed by Amalia Ulman herself, try desperately to salvage their assignment, but their cluelessness turns into the film's rich comedic fodder. Chloë Sevigny also appears as a frazzled TV anchor, adding star power to the ensemble. However, it is the lesser-known cast, especially Apollonio and Camila del Campo, who steal the spotlight. Apollonio's portrayal of a man-child nursing an awkward crush is both endearing and hilarious, while del Campo’s turn as a coquettish local offers a charming, if mischievous, contrast.

Throughout this Magic Farm movie review, it’s impossible not to admire Ulman's eye for detail and her affection for characters who are slightly out of their depth. Even when the film drifts into moments of near-stagnation, there’s a conscious whimsy to the visuals that keeps it afloat. At one point, Ulman straps a camera to a dog's head, offering a literal dog's-eye view that both disorients and delights. It’s a testament to her playful approach to filmmaking, even when the story seems in danger of running aground.

One of the most intriguing aspects highlighted in this Magic Farm movie review is the hidden crisis brewing under the surface. The agricultural community where the crew ends up has been grappling with a serious health emergency for decades. This fact, however, remains largely unnoticed by the self-absorbed documentary team. Ulman uses this oversight to deliver a sharp critique of Western media's often superficial engagement with the communities they cover.

Had the crew pulled their heads out of their confusion and entitlement, they would have found a real story worth telling — one filled with genuine human suffering and resilience. It’s a brilliant narrative choice that gives Magic Farm an extra layer of meaning, transforming it from a simple fish-out-of-water comedy into something much more insightful.

Ulman’s ability to balance satire with substance has been a defining trait since her earlier work in El Planeta, and Magic Farm continues that tradition with even greater confidence. Her fondness for pretenders, dreamers, and accidental tourists remains as potent as ever, but here, she also shows a more biting side, taking aim at systemic negligence and cultural myopia.

Visually, Magic Farm carries the loose, homespun aesthetic common to many indie films, yet Ulman also plays with more polished elements. The rural landscapes are shot with a lushness that contrasts sharply with the bumbling behavior of the film’s protagonists. Sound design is minimal but effective, emphasizing the vast emptiness of the Argentine farmlands and the crew’s growing sense of isolation.

Despite its moments of sluggish pacing, Magic Farm never feels truly lost. There’s a deliberate rhythm to its idling scenes, suggesting that Ulman is less interested in traditional narrative momentum and more concerned with creating an immersive atmosphere. By marrying her loose subject matter to inventive visuals and understated performances, she builds a cinematic world that feels both absurd and strangely real.

This approach might not satisfy all viewers — those expecting a tightly plotted comedy might find themselves frustrated by the film’s rambling detours. Yet for those willing to embrace its quirks, Magic Farm offers a refreshingly original experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

The Magic Farm movie review would be incomplete without acknowledging the performances that anchor the film's satirical tone. Joe Apollonio’s portrayal of Justin is particularly noteworthy, capturing a combination of earnestness and cluelessness that makes his character both ridiculous and strangely sympathetic. His chemistry with Ulman’s Elena offers moments of genuine warmth amid the broader absurdity.

Camila del Campo’s performance deserves special mention as well. Her portrayal of a small-town flirt provides some of the film’s sharpest comedic moments, highlighting the vast cultural chasm between the American outsiders and their reluctant Argentine hosts.

Meanwhile, Chloë Sevigny, despite limited screen time, lends gravitas to the ensemble as the frustrated anchor trying to maintain control over a production that has clearly gone off the rails. Her presence adds an extra layer of irony, reinforcing Ulman’s critique of media disconnection.

In conclusion, this Magic Farm movie review finds that Amalia Ulman's latest film is a clever, layered satire that rewards patient viewers. While it occasionally stumbles in pacing and structure, it more than compensates with its inventive visuals, sharp humor, and underlying social commentary.

Ulman continues to carve out a unique space for herself in the independent film world, blending the playful with the profound. Magic Farm might not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate indie cinema that challenges conventions while still delivering laughs, it stands as a memorable and meaningful work.

Ahmedabad