Watch Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds

Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds is a unique 1987 Australian post-apocalyptic film directed by Alex Proyas. The film has a small cast of actors, including Michael Lake, Melissa Davis, and Norman Boyd. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic Australian desert where two siblings - Felix (Michael Lake) and Betty (Melissa Davis) - live in isolation on their family farm after their parents have passed away. The film aims to explore themes of grief, mental stability, and the will to survive in a world where resources are scarce and hope is bleak.

The film begins with Felix fixated on his fascination with flying machines and his obsession with building a plane from his dysfunctional father's notes. Betty is obsessed with rain and the fact that it hasn't rained in the area for a long time. The film's strange vibe and world-building get quickly established when, one day, a stranger named Smith (Norman Boyd) comes to their farm. Smith is an estranged inventor who was a colleague of the siblings' father before he went insane. He was dismissed and left to live out his days in the desert. Smith's arrival stirs up unexpected chaos as he unveils his latest invention, a strange machine that creates rain clouds.

Smith's invention starts a chain of events that will test the sibling's mental stability. Betty soon starts to have vivid hallucinations that reinforce her fascination with rain, while Felix becomes increasingly obsessed with the machine, hoping that it could power his own plane. In this desolate world, the rain becomes a precious resource, and the rivalry between the two siblings becomes more palpable as they struggle to find their place in this new climate. Smith further complicates things when he shows up with a muddled past and a mischievous assistant (Rhys Davis).

As the film progresses, there are elements of mystery and magic that come together to make the movie a compelling and surreal journey. The cinematography is skillful and otherworldly, with breathtaking aerial shots of the desert and ominous shots of the sky. The film relies on practical effects and puppetry to bring the titular creatures of the film, gremlins, to life. The gremlins, despite being puppets, have a particular charm that stands up even in contemporary times.

Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds is undoubtedly an idiosyncratic and quirky piece of cinema that deserves more attention. The movie sets itself apart from other post-apocalyptic films by blending mysticism, surrealism, and sci-fi in such an unusual way. The film's score plays a significant role in keeping the atmosphere eerie and unsettling, often the way Tangerine Dreams's music used to in movies of that era. While the film is not for everyone, it's worth a watch for those who appreciate avant-garde films.

The performances of the cast in Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds are commendable as well. Michael Lake, Melissa Davis, and Norman Boyd are terrific in their roles and do an excellent job of depicting the characters' mental pressures in their respective ways. The characters are compelling and stand out because of their quirks and eccentricities. Smith, in particular, is an intriguing character, and the film's interpretation of his backstory adds to the film's overall weirdness.

In conclusion, Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds is an enjoyable and unconventional film that explores grief, mental instability, and survival in a compelling way. Director Alex Proyas's craftsmanship in creating an otherworldly environment and the unique blend of elements make the film stand out. The movie is worth it for the cinematography, puppets, and performances alone. While not for everyone, it's an underseen artifact of 1980s Australian film industry output, and one that deserves more recognition.

Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds is a 1989 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.