Imagine bursts onto the screen pulling viewers into a vibrant, otherworldly adventure. Directed by Tyson Yunkaporta and Jack Manning Bancroft, this Australian animated feature follows Kim, a non-binary teen yanked from their digital-addled life into a surreal realm by a claw through their bedroom wall. Guided by a snarky alien dog named Jeff and wise Aboriginal Elders, Kim embarks on a 24-hour quest across five symbolic islands, each brimming with bizarre encounters that probe deep into themes of addiction, identity, and connection to nature. It’s a bold attempt to blend Indigenous storytelling with modern animation, and while it doesn’t always land smoothly, its ambition is undeniable.
The visuals are a standout, offering a kaleidoscopic explosion of colors and shapes that evoke a trippy, psychedelic journey. From sentient libraries teeming with living knowledge to ideological battlefields, the film’s animation style feels raw and handmade, drawing on Indigenous art influences that give it a unique cultural texture. At its core, the narrative is a cryptic quest for freedom, weaving through realms that symbolize broader societal and personal struggles. Kim confronts fears through encounters with rune-wielding Viking chefs, fascist pirates, and a cyborg shaman, each unveiling layers about time, spirit, and the environment. The script, reportedly shaped by contributions from over 400 people, including Indigenous voices and podcast discussions, adds a collaborative authenticity. Yet, this crowd-sourced approach results in a plot that bounces erratically, making it challenging to follow a coherent thread.
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its one-of-a-kind nature, transcending boundaries by merging ancient wisdom with cutting-edge, rough, animation. It’s a groundbreaking effort from Indigenous Australian storytellers, premiering at festivals like MIFF and BIFF, and it feels tailor-made for a generation grappling with digital overload. The surreal trials Kim faces—oceans of memories, battles of ideologies—offer symbolic depth that invites rewatches to unpack the layers. On the flip side, ‘Imagine’ stumbles in execution, with a script that can feel like a mess of ideas thrown together without enough polish. As noted in festival Q&As, the film was still being refined post-premiere, and that unfinished quality shows in pacing issues and underdeveloped subplots.
Imagine is a chaotic, profound ride that’s more about the journey than a tidy destination. It may not appeal to everyone, especially those seeking polished storytelling, but for viewers open to its trippy, thought-provoking chaos, it’s a rewarding exploration of spirit and self.
Screening at Luna Leederville and The Windsor on Sat, Jan 31 & Sun, Feb 1.
Also screening at Luna on SX for CineWonders on Fri, Jan 30 – Purchase tickets here.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
- Socials: @frazer.live
- @neill.outloud
