The ‘California Mysticism’ that draws many, created a subculture, that actually originated commercial yogurt and yoga practice. The self-same relaxation cults even claimed Don Draper in the final episode of the landmark TV series HBO Mad Men. It’s where you want to go to find oneself which is exactly how the Dana Kippel Directed, Written and starred film Reflect (2023) opens with the character of Summer in the shower with voices in her head asking that question.
Summer wants to take on a challenge by taking her four friends into the desert of Sedona. The four will be subjected to trials to find themselves and help heal past troubles. She is unaware that the retreat will lead them all to confront their past traumas, faults and memories in a hallucinogenic metaphysical landscape.
What stands out are the performances of the actors such as Grace Patterson (Katie), Jadelyn Breier (Liz) and Marissa Patterson as Annie. Four friends all with past trauma ranging from childhood to guilt of sexual liaisons to simply not liking being called to be ‘Filler’ at a social event. Committed performances, good honest refreshing vitriol and revelations make this picture a treat to see these people on screen.
Add to this the vista of the desert which I have personally enjoyed the weather, solitude, the landscape of Palm Springs and the silence in this case punctuated by a social media counsellor going by the name of Hermès (Joe Filippone). Hermès is introduced sitting on a blanket in the desert dispensing trinkets and water. He later turns up as a counsellor bouncing around dancing, dispensing physical logic for the four women to follow on their journey. Hermès is replaced by a new-age child called Inanna (Campbell Crates) who continues the journey. In one of the best lines of the film one of the women remarks ‘Who’s the twelve-year-old?’ when they awaken to find the bubbly Inanna in their midst. Add to this you have The Game of Life or TGOL which is a social media documentary with reluctant host Beale (Ryan Jack Connell) add to this mysterious hooded figures against CGI vortex like the Talosians from the original Star Trek series in some controlling ‘Star Chamber’.
Reflect (2023) has a lot happening in it but the pace is relaxing enough that it is not intrusive. The film as a whole work brings out the links between old friends between the women’s heavily emotional journeys with deadpan humour. It’s not a genre in the true sense yet it does have an aftertaste of UFO conspiracy documentaries and Bigfoot finding shows. The film however does have a mere hint of vampirism in one sequence which is likely a satire element in the sense of the ‘bloodsuckers’ that prey on vulnerable people with problems who have the financials to seek solutions.
Reflect (2023) is best viewed by folk who want a whimsical satire of some real traumas in people. The Cult Of Healing no matter how outlandish be it through therapy, royal jelly, self-help books ranging from secrets, the keys to diets and the money they generate are on full display. You cannot dance, ignore diet your hell away, you must confront them ahead which is the message, you may not like the reflection back.
Reflect is out now on Digital Platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu
