Wes Anderson has been a darling of critics and audiences alike for years now, garnering a devoted fan following thanks to his quirky, quirky films that blend whimsical worlds with dysfunctional characters. And yet, just when we think we have seen it all, Anderson surprises us with his latest cinematic masterpiece, Asteroid City.
At the film’s recent screening in Cannes, one thing was immediately clear to those in attendance: Anderson’s customary trademarks of an idiosyncratic cast and quirky themes were all there, as were his signature camera movements that animate his unique film worlds. But there was one peculiarity that the audience couldn’t help but notice: the undeniable elusiveness of this newest Anderson film.
Asteroid City is set in outer space, on a small asteroid shaped like a backyard garden. The plot follows a small community of astronauts who call this tiny rock their home – people from different backgrounds that come together to create a sense of home among the expanse of nothingness. As with many Anderson films, the quirky ensemble cast is a delight to watch. Here, we see returning faces like Tilda Swinton and Jason Schwartzman, blending perfectly with newcomers Saoirse Ronan, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Awkwafina. Their idiosyncratic characters each bring something to the table – whether it’s Swinton’s dreamy astronaut with a distant look in her eyes, Abdul-Mateen II’s snarky technician with a secret, or Awkwafina’s headstrong space botanist who learns a valuable lesson about life on a tiny asteroid.
While Anderson’s fans may be used to these sorts of characters and settings, something about Asteroid City sets it apart from the rest of the filmmaker’s offerings. There is an elusive charm to this film that is hard to put one’s finger on. Perhaps it’s the out-of-this-world setting that is both unfamiliar and yet strangely comforting; perhaps it’s the sense of community that exists among a group of people who are, by definition, isolated from the rest of the world.
Whatever it is that draws us into Asteroid City, one thing is for sure – this is Wes Anderson at his most wessy. The film’s meticulous attention to detail, from the retro-inspired set design to the carefully chosen soundtrack, is a testament to Anderson’s unwavering vision. And yet, the film also manages to surprise us with newfound depth and emotion that we haven’t seen from the director before – a testament to his ability to evolve and grow as a filmmaker.
Asteroid City may be elusive, but that’s part of its charm. In a world where we often know what to expect from our favorite filmmakers, Anderson manages to surprise us once again with his latest cinematic offering. If you’re a fan of Anderson’s past work, or even if you’re just a sci-fi enthusiast looking for something new, be sure to check out Asteroid City – a film that truly lives up to its elusive hype.
