© Anaxia
Weston Razooli’s “Riddle of Fire” is a visual and narrative homage to the storytelling styles of yesteryears, peppered with references to 1980s culture. By weaving a tapestry of fantasy, nostalgia, and nostalgia through fantasy, Razooli embarks on a journey that nods to the storytelling traditions of magical quests and fairytales, providing an engaging backdrop for quests that would normally seem mundane to the adult mind. This coming-of-age film invites audiences, especially those with a soft spot for retro aesthetics, to look into the world of a child’s imagination.
Directed by: Weston Razooli
Year: 2023
Country: USA
Length: 113 minutes
At the heart of the film are young adventurers Hazel (Charlie Stover) and Jodie (Skyler Peters), along with their older friend Alice (Phoebe Ferro). During an edgy break-in sequence, they get their hands on a retro gaming system but hit a roadblock when they require a TV password. The boys’ sick mother, portrayed by Danielle Hoetmer, proposes a seemingly simple trade for the password: a blueberry pie. When the local bakery falls short, this trio goes on an epic quest for pie ingredients. Along the way, they cross paths with a motley crew of characters and discover the importance of friendship, culminating in a resolution that serves as one of the many unmistakable nods to ’80s culture.
The young cast delivers remarkable performances that are filled with authenticity and vivacity. Skyler Peters steals the show as Jodie, enriching each scene with perfectly timed one-liners that infuse the film with lots of comedic charm. The naturalism exhibited by these young actors outshines the adults, making one wonder whether this is a product of innate talent or director Razooli’s specific skill in coaching his youthful stars.
Visually, “Riddle of Fire” is an absolute triumph. Shot in lush Kodak 16MM film by cinematographer Jake L. Mitchell, the aesthetic choices are as eclectic as they are evocative. The set designs effortlessly transition from medieval landscapes to Americana settings to fantastical realms, each imbued with unique textures and color palettes that deepen the immersion. What’s particularly striking is how the cinematography manages to combine all these different visual elements into a cohesive tapestry, creating an unpredictable retro universe that feels both authentic and magical. At all times, it makes you excited for what’s coming next.
Yet, despite its many merits, “Riddle of Fire” does grapple with some shortcomings. For one, it remains somewhat ambiguous about its intended audience, straddling a line between being too mature for kids and, yet, at times a tad too whimsical for certain adult audiences. The blur between the children’s and adults’ perspectives narrows the kind of audience that would be interested in a film like this down to a certain extent. Additionally, although the film excels in evoking nostalgia and celebrating friendship, it seems content to be primarily an exercise in escapism. While cinema has the ability to reflect and comment on society and things of importance in the contemporary world, this film chooses instead to dwell in the comforting haze of simpler times, potentially limiting its broader impact and not having much to say in the end.
In conclusion, “Riddle of Fire” succeeds as a visual feast that evokes nostalgia, full wonder, humor, and heartwarming moments of friendship. While it may shy away from more complex social reflections, it nonetheless offers a captivating journey through a pastiche of styles and themes. For those willing to surrender to its retro appeal, the film promises a memorable trip into a world that bridges the past and the present in a truly creative fashion.
“Riddle of Fire” screened at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival as part of its Midnight Madness lineup.
obviouslyreviews.com 