Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: LUCID [Fantasia Film Festival 2025 - Montreal, Canada - Virtual]
The aspect of creative vision blends in an idea of perception. With "Lucid" [World Premiere/Septentrion Shadows], there is an essence of rage and visceral energy than infiltrates the film the further it goes on. Caitlin Acken Taylor plays Mia, a student that can't seem to find her creative identity at her art school. Adding to the fact is the idea that her teacher has the lock on what she should be. She rebels against this but melts into certain friends who believe that a local shaman/psychic of sorts can help her unlock what might be holding her back (i.e. her creative block). This is wrapped in small candy heart that is labeled "Lucid". Mia is exploring herself but what it unlocks is certain imagery that can be both helpful and hurtful to her psyche. One monster built out of hair in a bathtub and come to life is particularly creepy and engaging as is a person at her job that seems to be ballooning out of grease and chicken wings.
Mia also works at a fast food restaurant called "Bitchin Chicken" which even more adds to her sense of loss of self but even that influences her inspiration for imagery. She interacts with a wave of influencers led by a character that seems to be using her creative chasm as a basis for mockery. Granted most of this imagery might be in her head. This also leads to some pseudosexual fantasies which (for her) might be real or imagined. This eventually does lead to a door than allows her to open her mind (though we might be unsure of what it really means). Like another film in the festival: "Foreigner", a close relation (in this instance her grandma) keeps her tethered as if she might have experienced in a way herself. Directors Ramsey Fendell and Deanna Milligan give the film a very layered neo-pastel neon look that is very experimental in their intention. "Lucid" though is an exercise in style with some interesting choices despite some DIY aspects within both its approach and performance. B-
By Tim Wassberg
