Melbourne International Film Festival Review - Pepe

"Is that noise mine? What is this thing I use to make it?"

Slow, esoteric and strange, Pepe is an oft surreal account of a displaced ghostly hippopotamus in Colombia and his beyond the grave ruminations on life, death and isolation, that thrives when it focuses on either its titular titan or the colourful inhabitants of the Magdalena River, but is frequently disorienting and mysteriously messy. 

Discussion Points:

A ghost hippo narrates the story of his life and death. Sounds strange, surreal and esoteric. And ends up being strange, surreal and esoteric. Frequently filled with gorgeous natural beauty, stunning wildlife and colourful cultures - the film shifts genres, art styles and storylines as it drifts through its runtime at a patient relaxed pace. A true arthouse feature that certainly has a lot to say - both visually and narratively - but does so in a way that will require more than a surface level analysis. Easily the most experimental film I’ve seen at MIFF this year but one I’m glad I caught. Now I wanna go to the zoo and watch the hippos.