Watch Aaaaaaaah!
- NR
- 2015
- 1 hr 19 min
-
4.5 (977)
Aaaaaaaah! is a bizarre and surreal film from British comedian Steve Oram, who wrote, directed, and stars in the movie. Released in 2015, the film has gained a cult following for its strange premise and unforgettable visuals. The movie takes place in a world where humans have devolved into primal, animalistic creatures. They communicate only in grunts and gestures, and their behavior is driven entirely by instinct. Oram plays a character named Smith, who is the alpha male of a tribe of these creatures. His rival is Keith (Tom Meeten), who wants to overthrow Smith and take control of the group.
The conflict between Smith and Keith is the main plot of the film, but it's really just an excuse for Oram to explore the bizarre world that he has created. The film is mostly dialogue-free, as the characters communicate only through unintelligible screams and gestures. This creates a sense of otherworldliness that is both disorienting and mesmerizing.
The film's visuals are also a major selling point. Oram shot the movie on 16mm film, which gives the images a gritty, raw quality that is reminiscent of classic exploitation films. The costumes and sets are also incredible, with the characters wearing primitive clothing made from animal skins and living in dilapidated houses built from scavenged materials.
Despite the film's primal setting, there are elements of modernity sprinkled throughout. For example, the characters occasionally watch movies on an old television set, which is an interesting juxtaposition against their savage behavior. There are also scenes of violence and gore that are both shocking and darkly comedic.
One of the most interesting aspects of Aaaaaaaah! is the way that it flips the power dynamic between humans and animals. In most films, humans are the dominant species, with animals existing only as prey or as pets. In this film, the humans are the ones who have devolved into animals, while the actual animals are portrayed as intelligent and dignified beings. This creates an interesting commentary on the way that humans view themselves as superior to other species.
There are also moments of social commentary throughout the film. For example, there is a subplot involving a wealthy family who live in a pristine suburban home. They are portrayed as being just as animalistic as the tribe, but in a more subtle way. This serves as a criticism of the way that wealth and consumerism can strip us of our humanity.
The film's ending is a bit ambiguous, and may leave some viewers scratching their heads. However, this ambiguity is part of the film's charm. Aaaaaaaah! is not a movie that is meant to be easily understood or digested. Instead, it's a hypnotic and surreal experience that is best appreciated on its own terms.
In conclusion, Aaaaaaaah! is a truly unique film that defies categorization. It's part comedy, part horror, and part social commentary, but it's really in a class of its own. If you're looking for something that's unlike anything you've ever seen before, this movie is definitely worth checking out.