Westermarck Effect is the latest dose of independent cinema from the great Saara Lamberg, who starred as a lead actor, the director and one of the producers.
Saara Lamberg is no stranger to finding controversial themes and strives to bring attention to taboo topics with sensitivity and tact through film projects. The topic of incest, between a biological mother and her son, is certainly not a common subject matter to speak about in broader society but Saara Lamberg conveys this idea with respect and without judgement.
The characters of Sally (Saara Lamberg) and Sam (Jayden Denke) have a balanced weight of time on screen as they each deal with the respective stages in their life. 30-something, Sally, feels conflicted about how to handle her intrigue about locating and meeting her son after 20 years. Young adult, Sam, is less hesitant about finding out all he can about Sally after not knowing about his childhood with a non-biological mother. Sam is shocked at first but develops an enthusiastic curiosity with Sally, who gradually finds his romantic advances hard to resist.
The viewing experience is delightful with regular ingredients of comedy in dialogue and actions to add to the dramatic ebs and flows. Sally's dream sequences add some strange elements of art-house. Along with the romance between Sally and Sam, this flick is ultimately a multi-genre film, keeping the viewers guessing.
Westermarck Effect is a very believable depiction of the emotional journeys Sally and Sam take, with various supporting characters forming their own views on this taboo lifestyle that Sally and Sam embrace. Sally's father, Herbert ( played by Albert Goikman), and Sam's girlfriend, Mint (Mariah Mannae), are just two examples of their respective support networks that are confused and unimpressed by the new relationship.
Westermarck Effect has already earned worthy attention from around the world, recognising the exceptional acting of Jayden Denke, Saara's directing, as well as the brilliant cinematography by Michael Liparota. She also has a loyal team of cast and crew that have stuck with her for multiple projects.
The finished product of Westermarck Effect was worth the anticipation over the last couple of years, after it wrapped up in 2020.
Even though viewers might expect uncomfortable scenes, the characters are certainly likeable and relatable as we witness their confronting, new frontier that shapes their identity. The integration of Sally's bizarre dream sequences add to the chaotic, crippling psychosis she experiences in the newest chapter of her life. Sam's experience as a musician, in a suburban band led by a drag queen, adds to the depiction of a contemporary, bohemian lifestyle, in a miscellaneous city, that never sleeps.
Saara Lamberg warrants all the praise that independent feature film producers receive in completing projects and preparing these for an audience to see. Saara Lamberg continues to create compelling stories with abstract, awkward topics. This is her forte and she will endeavour to grow her reputation internationally.
Congratulations to Saara for your latest achievement!
