HOT DOCS 26 REVIEW - BETTER GO MAD IN THE WILD
Filled to the brim and overflowing with wonder and whimsy, Better Go Mad in The Wild is definitely one of the more unique documentaries in this year’s selection. Over the brief runtime of 78 minutes, we follow a pair of brothers, both of whom are coming to terms with the third act of life in their own unique way. The narrative progression is fed to the audience through a talking cow, that is slightly reminiscent of the narrating hippo protagonist from Nelson Carlo De Los Santos Arias’ Pepe. However, it’s important to recognize that Remo’s documentary doesn’t set out to be a checklist and standardized work that is riding the coattails of other, unique contemporary films. Remo’s vision is singular, and it relentlessly adds to the tone, as well as the emotional impact, of the film.
Through psychedelic (literally and metaphorically) vignettes and contemplation on how the years and youth age alongside you, Remo spares no expense when it comes to getting to know the brothers as intimately as possible. Whether it be for their respective professional work, or the mantras they individually have on life, the brothers as individuals (including their relationship) are explored rigorously. It’s a bond that’s unlike many other, but it’s an incredibly sweet, sometimes upsetting, and inherently moving display of love between family members.
The end-of-life existentialism is prominent, and the narrative structure entirely earns this mode of storytelling. It takes a standard pitch for a feature length documentary and kneads it until it evolves into a myriad— something reminiscent of a kaleidoscopic poem. Through peaks and valleys, quickly resolved brotherly arguments, and an equally as poignant brotherly love, it’s hard not to get lost in this beautiful, unexpected treasure.
Through psychedelic (literally and metaphorically) vignettes and contemplation on how the years and youth age alongside you, Remo spares no expense when it comes to getting to know the brothers as intimately as possible. Whether it be for their respective professional work, or the mantras they individually have on life, the brothers as individuals (including their relationship) are explored rigorously. It’s a bond that’s unlike many other, but it’s an incredibly sweet, sometimes upsetting, and inherently moving display of love between family members.
The end-of-life existentialism is prominent, and the narrative structure entirely earns this mode of storytelling. It takes a standard pitch for a feature length documentary and kneads it until it evolves into a myriad— something reminiscent of a kaleidoscopic poem. Through peaks and valleys, quickly resolved brotherly arguments, and an equally as poignant brotherly love, it’s hard not to get lost in this beautiful, unexpected treasure.
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