Moon Garden

A cinematic blend of 90s rock music videos, offbeat horror, and contemporary video art, Moon Garden is a mind-bending visual feast that will leave you questioning reality.

As a seasoned film critic, I have had the privilege of witnessing a vast array of cinematic experiences. However, rarely do I encounter a film that so profoundly transports me to another realm, challenging my perceptions and igniting my imagination. Moon Garden, the directorial debut of Ryan Stevens Harris, is one such extraordinary cinematic gem.

From the opening sequence, I was captivated by the film's unique fusion of visuals and sounds, reminiscent of the experimental video art that captivated me during my formative years. The narrative follows the journey of Haven Lee Harris, a young woman who finds herself trapped in a surreal and enigmatic world following a tragic car accident. As she navigates this dreamlike landscape, she encounters a series of bizarre and unsettling characters, each encounter further blurring the lines between reality and illusion.

Haven Lee Harris delivers a tour-de-force performance, embodying the protagonist's emotional turmoil with profound authenticity. Her portrayal of Haven's vulnerability, fear, and unwavering determination is nothing short of mesmerizing, anchoring the narrative and leaving an indelible mark on the viewer.

The film's visuals are equally captivating, with Harris employing a masterful blend of techniques to create a truly immersive experience. From slow-motion shots that capture the intricacies of Haven's expressions to distorted soundscapes that heighten the atmosphere of unease, the film is a sensory overload that demands the viewer's attention.

Beyond its captivating visuals and sounds, Moon Garden delves into profound themes of identity, loss, and the very nature of reality. Harris refrains from spoon-feeding these themes to the audience, instead inviting viewers to embark on their own personal interpretations. This open-ended approach adds an extra layer of intrigue to the film, encouraging multiple viewings and fostering thought-provoking discussions.

While Moon Garden may not be for the faint of heart, its challenging and often disturbing nature is precisely what makes it so compelling. It is a film that pushes boundaries, forces introspection, and lingers long after the credits have rolled. For those seeking a cinematic experience that transcends the ordinary, I wholeheartedly recommend Moon Garden.

P. S. I really hope that a Blu-ray release of the film is coming soon, because I would love to own a copy of this masterpiece.

Moon Garden is an indie surrealist horror film about a young girl named Emma who, after taking a terrible fall down the stairs and ending up in a coma, she's forced to fend for her life against a dark entity in an industrial fantasy world.

Filmed with a bevy of clever and captivating practical effects, Moon Garden is a gorgeous, surrealist horror movie that's honestly an outstanding introductory movie for kids and teens, having a great deal in common with Joe Dante's work and even a bit of that classic Spielberg-Amblin magic. The performances are great, especially the child actress who plays Emma. She's just so wonderfully earnest and sweet, her interaction with the character of the Musician left me welling up. The actors who play her parents are also very good and the conflict that leads to Emma's coma is very emotional. Still, it's the cinematography and visuals that really shape this nightmare.

I hope more folks check this movie out because it's absolutely worth your time.

Extremely well made movie. The little girls acting was incredible. I was expecting more of a horror movie but it is more of a dreamy, surreal movie, with a little horror sprinkled in. However, the movie features one of the best horror character designs I've seen in a long time.

Effects and soundtrack were awesome too.

It's a sad story, but also a positive one, and makes you think about your own relationships with your spouse and children.

I would love to see another film made by this director. His style is very interesting and it's been a long time since I've seen a truly unique "horror" movie until this.

I must admit, when I started watching this movie, I wasn't fully on board, but I found the movie grew on me as I watched it. It's not a great movie, by any means, but there were enough original ideas here to keep me watching. It's visually interesting, although we've seen most of these things before in the films Jan Svankmajer, Phil Tippett, and the Quay Brothers. The use of out-of-date film gives it a lomography look, which I like, but I can see where it might irritate some. As to the version of "Without You" that's sung in this film, it sounds like it was based on Harry Nilsson's version, not Mariah Carey's (or the original by Badfinger). Far less Melisma and the vocal fry.

Just a note on one of the other reviews here which claims that favorable reviews are all done by people who did not review any other movies. My research indicates this not to be the case. Of the 10 star reviews here, only two are by people who reviewed no other movies (although I do agree with that reviewer that you should treat 10 star reviews by people who haven't reviewed anything else with suspicion). This is clearly a divisive movie, but if you can tap into it's aesthetic, it can be a rewarding experience.

Well one could have lived (through this) without the song ... no pun intended. It is fitting to use of course when you think of the story and all that. Though still a weird bed time song to be sung by a mom. I do not blame her, she gives the best performance she I reckon. And while this is not an original song by Mariah Carey ... once you've heard her "version" ... it is not in the interest of anyone else to try to fill or try to recreate that. Yes I know nit-picking and all that, but I am writing a review and if I didn't mention it, I wouldn't feel right about it.

But enough about that - even though I am currently listening to it, while writing this ... ok I'll stop. The movie has some neat idea. It does not make a secret what or rather where it plays or gives you a big twist (oh that's where she was or what was happening in the "real" world). If you like fantasy, if you like to suspend your disbelief ... the movie does have some interesting and beautiful sets ... the girl ... let's say she is very young.

It would not be good or nice or anything to try to rate her or her performance by "normal" standards! She is especially good when she can freely express her emotions. Not all dialog works fine, but that is forgivable - or rather should be. That is up to you of course. In the end it may be a bit too long - too much lingering on some scenes, it could do with some tightening ... but it is a good movie to escape reality from ... and believe that there is something more ... after ... and in between.