The afterlife is a big theme in film. Other genres such as horror, thriller, and supernatural tackle this ideal to intriguing and terrifying lengths. Malni- Towards the Ocean, Towards the Shore discusses life, death, rebirth, the afterlife, and much more in a profound film.
The film centers around the Chinook death myth, one that director Sky Hopinka uses to frame the action with Sweetwater S[p[ahme and Jordan Mercier as our Chinook representation. Hopinka brings a level of authenticity to the proceedings via his Ho-Chunk and Pechanga lineage. Hopinka’s style deviates from true linear storytelling and is instead extreme in its experimental tone. The film alternates between English and Chinuk Wawa, and the two languages punctuate Hopinka’s narrative style.
Hopinka’s reliance on language and stories is essential to Malni. Sahme and Mercier never meet during the film’s eighty minutes, but their stories of life, death, and rebirth connect them. The motif of water (the film’s subtitle isn’t just for show) is a constant theme and provides for a strong visual sense and an immense poetic force. There is barely any driving action in the film at all. You are left instead with these two ruminating on their connection with both the natural and spiritual world. However, it makes for a stunning, refreshing experience. Aud: C, P.
Included in our list of Best Documentaries 2021.
