To play a long awaited video game, brothers Jodie and Hazel, along with their friend Alice, embark on a journey to obtain her favorite blueberry pie.
The take
There’s a certain magic in childhood that makes you see the world with bright eyes– every small task is an exciting quest, not weighed down by budgeting, lack of control, and worry. Riddle of Fire captures that magic on 16 mm film, transforming buying a blueberry pie into a whimsical, chaotic adventure involving covens, witches, and huntsmen in modern day forms, echoing a fairytale with vintage 20th century trappings. It’s certainly nostalgic, but it’s created through stylistic choices instead of constant references on older media franchises. While it does lose some momentum in certain moments, Riddle of Fire is such a charming feature debut.
What stands out
The yellow-green tint. It’s like Moonrise Kingdom, but this time in Wyoming instead of New England.
Comments
Add a comment
Your name
Your comment
UP NEXT
UP NEXT
UP NEXT
More like this in
Forgotten Love (2023)
The stunning third take of the classic Polish pre-war melodrama
7.7
Wild Tales (2014)
Co-produced by Pedro Almodóvar, this tumultuous Argentine anthology film tests the limits of human sanity when pushed to the extremes – and will also test yours.
9.9
Leave the World Behind (2023)
Shyamalan meets Black Mirror in this hugely entertaining, visually inventive apocalyptic thriller with a killer ending
8.2
The Farewell (2019)
Awkwafina shines in this complex culture clash comedy.
9.1
Booksmart (2019)
Two academic overachievers from high school set out to prove that they're a smart and fun for one last time.
9.0
Victoria (2015)
Filmed in one continuous take and in real time on the streets of Berlin, ‘Victoria’ immerses the viewer in a heart-stopping drama
9.8
Dick Johnson Is Dead (2020)
A darkly hilarious portrait of the inevitability of death
7.9
Thelma (2024)
A lovely and bad-ass tribute to the fierceness of old age
8.4
Handsome Devil (2016)
A sweet and easy coming-of-age comedy
8.0
Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Finds magic in the ordinary every day—and reminds us the most special art is that which comes from the heart