Moon Garden (2022) User Reviews

Can't live ... without you

[kosmasp · 7/10 · 21 October 2023]

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.

The silent evil within Emma's labyrinth

[Howling_at_the_Moon_Reviews · 7/10 · 27 February 2024]

This was a wild and beautiful fever dream that gave me an amalgamation of vibes reminiscent of Pans Labyrinth, The Evil Within and Silent Hill. I've had this movie on my radar for at least the past year or so, so I was pleased to sit down and finally give it a view.

While we got our 2 base storylines down - the real world physical and emotional trauma and then the fantasy manifestation of said traumas... otherwise, there wasn't all too much else that satiated my desire for a substantial plot or storyline. I felt like I was really missing a "tale" more than "trying to get home" that I was really wanting. I felt it leaned more towards the cerebral side with a plethora of metaphors, symbolism, allegories and a general "artsy-fartsy" take. On one hand, this added to the beauty, chaos and dream like state of confusion. On the other hand, it left me a little wanting and looking for something to cling my attention onto to stay engaged.

And yet, at the same time it was impossible to look away from the screen. This movie was a literal visual feat. I mean, this was pretty next level. The visuals, imagery, concepts, effects, sets and props and so much more really took up for a lot that I felt was missing. As stated, it is certainly reminiscent of things, but I'd dare to say you have never seen anything that is quite exactly like this before.

I don't know if it was the platform I was viewing this on or a stylistic choice or what but there were continual fade to black cuts as if they were cutting to a commercial that were very odd. It almost gave me a sense of nostalgia but primarily were distracting. Also the acting here was a bit distracting as well. Not the worst I've ever seen but not my favorite. However, shout out to the princess, she gave a lovely monologue.

All in all this was a very intriguing and unique experience. I don't think this will be everyone's cup of tea and will certainly be polarizing for people... but good art always is. I would encourage you to give it a shot. 6.5 rounding up to a 7, would recommend.

Stay with it

[popvoid · 6/10 · 7 May 2024]

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.

Great idea, poor execution

[boogoogland · 2/10 · 21 May 2023]

Compelling idea but the movie failed on so many levels, making what should have been a compelling a trippy ride through a nightmare into a milquetoast Pam's Labyrinth rip off.

Moon Garden is the most explicitly outlined indie movie about dreams and non waking state, giving exposition dumps and lame monologues about bravery at every turn. The movie's direction and script are spineless, everything plays out exactly as you expect it to play out once the journey starts.

The practical effects are cool in theory, but just not executed well enough to be compelling. The stories main antagonist isn't haunting or chilling, just silly and boring.

Boring - that's the films biggest crime. A paint by the number rip off of other artists styles (del toro, Gilliam, Juenet) without any of the artistry or something new to say. A lot of effort, but pretty much just amounts to a student project homage to much better movies.

One of the worst movies of the year

[jfgibson73 · 1/10 · 25 September 2023]

This movie was horrible. I regretted putting it on almost immediately. First of all, it is one of the worst looking movies I've ever seen. The visual style is gaudy and the colors are absolutely repellent. The performers look hideous as well, with no attempt to make them presentable for filming. Then, there is the story. It is a young child's fantasy as she travels through some kind of industrial wasteland. The sets are just as unappealing as the film quality. It is meant to be metaphorical, but instead of thinking through what they wanted to say, the filmmakers use the ambiguity as an excuse to write scenes that don't really mean anything. It is sickeningly pretentious, and I found it a monumental waste of time. It was not for me.

P. S. Want to guess how many of the positive reviews are from accounts that have only reviewed this film?

Sublime!!

[paulclaassen · 8/10 · 26 September 2023]

'Moon Garden' is a unique and beautiful movie. Sadly, viewers who don't have an active imagination will never understand it. 'Moon Garden' is a sublime metaphorical visualization of thoughts, memories and events - from a child's perspective.

'Moon Garden' tells the story of 5-year old Emma (brilliantly portrayed by Haven Lee Harris). One night, when she tries to stop her parents (played by Augie Duke and Brionne Davis) from fighting again, she slips and falls down the stairs, leaving her in a coma. Whilst in this state, she enters the Moon Garden. Doctors fighting for her life, become part of her unconscious mind in the most surreal manner. The visuals, make-up and practical effects are stunning, brought to life by excellent stop-motion photography.

This was a very demanding role for Haven Lee Harris and throughout the film her performance never ceased to amaze me. This little girl is given so much to do and she excels in every scene.

The film literally is the stuff nightmares are made of. It reminded me of a mix between 'Pan's Labyrinth', 'Rigor Mortis', and especially 'Imaginaerum', a film that shares a similar premise about a man suffering from dementia. Despite the bizarre imagery and somewhat weird narration, 'Moon Garden' is also an emotionally charged film - if you are able to interpret it, that is. This is a modern fantasy horror masterpiece and quite frankly one of the most amazing films I've seen lately. I feel so sorry for those who don't understand the film...

'Moon Garden' has to be seen to be believed! Every frame of every scene is perfection. The inclusion of Harry Nilsson's 'Without You' added a magical, yet emotional touch. 'Moon Garden' is an instant favourite.

bizarre & wild, but...epilepsy WARNING: do not watch this if prone to seizures

[spasticfreakshow · 4/10 · 16 September 2023]

If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy or have ever had a seizure induced by strobe lights, this is NOT FOR YOU. If the idea of that is disturbing for you, even though you are not epileptic, this is NOT FOR YOU. The cinematographer was given the leeway to produce a film that is consistently jarring, from the moment the audience enters the 'fantasy world' - the film style flashes.and jumps in absurdly rapid stop motion. Used more sparingly, this could have been effective as a scare tactic, but as it is, it is over-utilized, hard to watch and ruins the experience. Further, the production values are such that portions of the fantasy world feel as though (and probably were) filmed in someone's basement, with discarded hot water heaters and the like used to create monsters, some of it I believe was actually the filming of some kid's diorama project; even for an Indie film, this feels low end, like a first time passion project, rather than a professional film.

All of that said, the young actress is phenomenal, showcasing a sense of wonder, even among the horror elements and carries the film, but could carry a good film with a stronger script and production. The very picture of innocence, in stark contrast to just about everything else portrayed. The mother is also absolutely terrifying, even when it's not the intention of the scene. The fantasy world actors surpass expectations, but...

I would avoid this director and the mother actress again at all costs. The last few minutes are an uplifting redemption arc for the film, but it's too little, too late, in terms of quality.

A very pleasant surprise

[jaricn · 10/10 · 18 December 2023]

At the time I first viewed it, this movie had the rating of 6. I was taught by experience not to trust IMDB ratings too much, as some highly rated movies turned out out to be huge disappointments, and many low-rated ones turned out to be instant classics in my book. However, most of the time, the low-rated movies have some flaws that most people tend to overstate, hence the poor rating. Naturally, I expected this to be the case with this one as well.

I guess the thing the audience didn't like was the fact that there's very little actual storytelling and most of the movie comes to the captivating visuals and the actual feelings they evoke in the viewer. We, the audience, have some knowledge and expectations that the little girl who serves as the main character doesn't, but the movie still manages to surprise us both. Its quality, however, is more hypnotic than revelatory, reminding of Lynch, Tarkovsky and similar artists, or better yet, the more surreal aspects of the likes of Tarsem or Kubrick.

Underneath it all, there is some important message, all of these apparent fever dreams actually filled with symbolism and meaning, and even some things that we don't immediately recognize will soon be explained through the little girl's memories and make more or less sense. Haven Lee Harris is extremely talented for a girl of her age and if this movie gets the recognition it deserves, she will be a star someday, and the same obviously goes for her father, the director of this masterpiece.

All in all, this is as much as I can say without actually spoiling the whole thing. To everyone who likes to see the captivating visuals of a little girl's dream world, who doesn't mind a little touch of dread spread throughout the movie, and has at least a little bit of imagination and understanding, I strongly recommend this movie.

A dive into the rabbit hole of a child's brain

[fannyzanke · 9/10 · 26 August 2023]

A remarkable piece of cinema about what a brain does when cut off almost completely from sensory input. Imagine a dream that you can't wake up from, you struggle to get by in a place where every fear and hope manifests itself instantly around you. We are invited to watch elements of a child's world orchestrate the unspeakable and unimaginable of the otherworld, the (scientifically) practically uncharted terrain of a mind in coma. And it does so almost without CGI !

A prove that you can show complex things with comparatively simple means. Nowadays, in most of the movies of this genre it is exactly the other way around. They show so much and convey so little. Respect!

Rediscover the wonder of storytelling and the art of filmmaking

[kelleyslebos · 10/10 · 23 May 2023]

Rarely as an adult do you get to viscerally dip into the rich layers of imagination, hopes and fears that come so easily to children. When watching "Moon Garden," Ryan Stevens Harris' fantastical dreamscape fable about love, family and the journey of a child through the deepest recesses of her mind, you can tap into the wonder of childhood again.

"Moon Garden" offers a cornucopia of potent images that access the archetypes of childhood dreams and nightmares and stick with you long after the closing credits. The story evokes the simple power of a Greek epic poem, built around themes of wandering in a strange land, searching for heart and home, omens of good and evil and a child's love for her parents. Think Neil Gaiman, think Guillermo del Toro, think of the dark legends of European fairy and folktales and the way in which they bridged the journeys between real and imagined places.

Above all, "Moon Garden" is an expertly crafted, beautifully acted, wildly entertaining film that opens the heart and touches the soul. Highly recommend!

Outstanding work

[naq-1 · 10/10 · 27 May 2023]

"Moon Garden" is in a class all by itself. It has some of the feel of early David Lynch movies, as well as some by Tarsem. It is definitely one of the most unique and utterly mind-blowing films I have seen in decades. The little girl who plays the lead role is amazing. How she was able to handle what was required of her is in itself astonishing. And the effects are beyond anything I have ever seen in a low budget film of this type.

Suffice it to say, Mr. Harris is a genius of filmmaking, and has a fantastic career ahead of him. He is poised to become a legend, after only one feature that seems to be on his credits, and should be allowed to go in whatever direction he desires, but the cynic in me is convinced that he will get talked into doing films for Marvel or DC, and all the creative juice that he brought to this will be lost for good.

There are no other words that can sum up the incredible job that Harris has done, and the fact that he was able to get such a devastating performance out of a minor is beyond anyone's imagining. Rather than belabor the point, all I can add to sum it up is that you will be utterly speechless after you see this film.

A Visual Feast

[ladymidath · 10/10 · 2 December 2023]

I love fantasy movies, Pan's Labyrinth, City Of Lost Children, Coraline. Mirrormask, Labyrinth, just to name a few. Moon Garden is one of the most beautiful and visually powerful films I have seen in a long time. The effects, story, music and acting are all spot on. Not to mention the amazing characters that haunt the child's comatose nightmares. Teeth is a particulary scary character and reminded me a little of The Babadook/ While this movie may not be for everyone, this is one that has both a story that has real heart while it tells a dark fairytale.

While films like Mad God are unnerving in its bleakness, this is one that holds hope. This is movie that needs to be experienced by those that love movies that are different.

Wonderful, Odd, Surreal Movie!

[adambomb-5 · 9/10 · 30 July 2023]

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.

Masterpiece

[StarsOvernight · 10/10 · 28 June 2023]

Incredible movie involving many emotions and journey dealing with life. Featuring high Drama, Sci-fi, Paranormal, the spectacular "Teeth", and "Perfect Day" through the eyes of a child and adults. I could see this movie over and over, as there is so much in it with symbolism, film-making, color, sound, and cinematography. Haven Lee Harris does an award winning performance. The movie takes the viewer through conflict, problem solving, fear, dreams, reality. How we, as humans, create many of our own problems. Relationships. The visuals and color are phenomenal filmed on expired 35mm film. The Director is an Artist and Creates a Masterpiece! Showing at the Marcus Theatres, I cannot wait to catch this movie again on the Big Screen!

A Hauntingly Beautiful Masterpiece

[yusufpiskin · 8/10 · 5 May 2024]

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.