Watch Further Beyond

Further Beyond, released in 2016, is a unique and thoughtful film that brings together a range of styles, including a documentary, a biopic, a fairy tale, and a surreal journey. It is directed and co-written by Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor, known for their compelling and experimental works in theater and film. At the center of the movie is the story of Ambrose O'Higgins, a real-life figure who was born in Ireland in the 18th century and rose to become the colonial governor of Chile and Peru. However, the film is not a conventional biopic that charts his accomplishments and failures, but rather a meditation on memory, identity, fiction, and the ways in which we create and inhabit narratives.

The movie opens with an intriguing scene, in which a woman named Josie (played by Denise Gough) walks into a small cinema in Dublin, where the film is being shown. She takes a seat and begins to watch the movie that we, the viewers, will also see. However, as the story unfolds, we realize that Josie has a special connection to Ambrose O'Higgins, who happens to be her distant ancestor. Moreover, she is not just a passive spectator but an active participant in the narrative, as she embarks on a quest to uncover his past and her own.

The film cleverly interweaves different strands of storytelling, using a variety of techniques and devices to blur the boundaries between fact and fiction, present and past, observer and observed. For example, we see the actors playing Ambrose, his mother, his lover, and other characters, in both historical settings and contemporary contexts. We also hear voiceovers that offer insights into their thoughts and feelings, and see footage from Chilean landscapes that evoke the places where Ambrose lived and worked.

One of the striking features of the film is its use of fairy tale motifs to comment on the themes of the story. Ambrose's mother, for instance, is portrayed as a mysterious and powerful figure who weaves stories from her hair, and whose presence haunts him throughout his life. She embodies the idea of the storyteller who creates and sustains a narrative, but also restricts and shapes the imagination of the listener. Similarly, Ambrose's lover appears as a mermaid who lures him into the sea, where he has to confront his fears and desires.

Throughout the movie, we also encounter surreal and dreamlike sequences that challenge our expectations and invite us to question the nature of reality. For example, Ambrose participates in a bizarre game of tennis with his friend, using a glass ball that reflects distorted images of himself and others. The game becomes a metaphor for the way we see ourselves and others, as well as the way we project our own desires and fantasies onto the world.

In addition to its rich and complex narrative, Further Beyond is also a visually stunning film, with breathtaking cinematography by Ole Bratt Birkeland that captures the essence of different locations and moods. From the rugged cliffs of Ireland to the bustling streets of Santiago, the film paints a vivid portrait of the landscapes and cultures that shaped Ambrose's life.

The performances of the actors are also superb, especially Denise Gough, who portrays Josie with a captivating combination of vulnerability, curiosity, and stubbornness. Alan Howley and Jose Miguel Jimenez, who play Ambrose at different ages, convey his inner struggles with subtlety and depth, creating a haunting and unforgettable character.

Overall, Further Beyond is a cinematic gem that defies categorization and begs to be seen again and again. It challenges us to rethink our assumptions about history, memory, and identity, and invites us to embark on a journey that is both personal and universal. Whether you are a lover of biopics, fairy tales, or experimental cinema, this film will leave you dazzled and moved.