It’s truly a delight when a film comes along that is full of youth and life that effortlessly brings out your inner child. Writer-director Weston Razooli’s brilliant debut feature, Riddle of Fire, is a self-proclaimed neo-fairytale and is truly unlike anything you’ve ever seen. It follows a trio of young children, calling themselves the Immortal Lizardson, on a quest for a blueberry pie that seems like it may never end. Along their journey, they encounter many classic fairytale characters placed in a modern setting, including a witch, a huntsman, and a princess.
From the jump, the visuals and music are simply mesmerizing. Shot on Kodak 16mm film, Jake Mitchell’s cinematography gives Riddle of Fire an entirely unique look. Incredible beauty is found in the mountains that contain this story, and the use of this specific film brings out those vibrant, distinct colors in a way that digital just can’t handle. The music comes together to exude a medieval-techno style, part of a very real genre called dungeon synth, that is wildly enthralling. These auditory sounds bring the scenery to life and draw out the fantastical, whimsical side the film leans heavily towards. The combination of these distinct elements lure you in from the first frame and it’s nearly impossible to look away. Razooli makes the tone of this film clear right from the beginning, and it’s astonishingly enchanting.
The child actors sit at the heart of this film, and they deliver some of the funniest, most heartfelt performances in recent memory. Phoebe Ferro, Charlie Stover, and Skyler Peters portray the tight-knit Immortal Lizards Alice, Hazel, and Jodie, and eventually come across Lorelei Olivia Mote as the charming Petal. They exude pure child-like wonder and creativity that will make you wish you didn’t have to grow up. Taking place in an unhurried part of the summer, every day is an adventure for these kids. They also display a form of stubbornness and determination that could only come from a place of youth. The inciting incident for the whole odyssey is the Lizards trying to find a pie for Hazel and Jodie’s ill mother, and they stop at nothing until that goal is achieved. The adult actors provide great performances as well, particularly Lio Tipton as Anna-Freya Hollyhock, the leader of the antagonistic group that stands in the way of the Lizards acquiring that elusive pie. They bring an aura of mystery and darkness that plays well opposite the more wondrous aspects found throughout the rest of the movie.
Perhaps the most enticing piece of Riddle of Fire is the themes that bubble up all throughout the runtime. Depictions of loyalty and friendship are often best shown through the lens of children, as is the case here. No matter what, these friends will stick together and look out for one another better than most adults would for their friends. There’s no ulterior motive to these relationships, just fun and a feeling of jubilation that they get to be together through it all. Alice, Hazel, and Jodie know each other so well and use this to unify rather than to push away for personal gain.
It can’t be understated how unique and special this film is. Weston Razooli’s singular vision is realized perfectly on screen and shows off the power of shooting on film. Of course, big-budget filmmakers like Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve have been talking about shooting on film instead of digital for a long time, but Riddle of Fire shows the power of film usage even on smaller, intimate stories. This movie looks exponentially better and is more well-crafted than 90% of streaming releases. The vibrancy and life radiating from the screen puts those movies to shame. The technical achievements join hands with a compelling, moving tale about friendship and adventure that is wildly unforgettable.
Riddle of Fire is currently playing in select theaters courtesy of Yellow Veil Pictures and Vinegar Syndrome.
Writer-director Weston Razooli's debut feature is as enchanting and beautiful as they come, with strong child performances, wonderful visuals, and moving themes that come together to create an incredibly stylized experience.
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GVN Rating 9.5
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Proud owner of two movie passes. Met Harrison Ford at a local diner once. Based in Raleigh, NC.