Zoom (2016) | Film Review

Stylistically, when a critic references a film as a ‘work of art’, this often leads to pretentious debates on abstract expressionism or conflicting social ideologies. It is meant to say to you – the reader – that this is a film of depth or progressive maturity. With that said, I’m here to tell you that director Pedro Morelli’s “Zoom” revolves around subjects ranging from abusive relationships to breast implants to penis pumps, it rarely shies away from immaturity, and that it most certainly is a work of art.

There is little I can relay in regards to the actual plot of “Zoom” without eradicating your discovery, so here are the basics: The film follows three distinct storylines – Emma (Alison Pill) is a cartoonist with severe body image issues, Michelle (Mariana Ximenes) is a model desperate to shed superficial boundaries and demonstrate her innate sensibilities as an author, and Edward (Gael García Bernal) is a director with an unflinching vision whose confidence stems from his sexual prowess. Oh, and he happens to be fully animated.

Each storyline overflows with additional characters who compliment the respective arc (with Jason Priestly and Tyler Labine as condescending love interests being the standouts), yet ultimately this is a story about three characters, in vastly unique scenarios, brought together through a bit of head-scratching creative writing. As you begin “Zoom”, prepare for a smidge of dismay and maybe even a headache or two as you contemplate what the hell is going on, but if you hold strong through the end when everything ultimately connects and the train rolls back onto the tracks, you’re left with an experience that is far more “Being John Malkovich” than “Art School Confidential”.

While each character’s plight is intriguing, choosing to present Edward’s story as a completely animated visual was a risky choice that could easily have derailed the entire film. Represented as a living, breathing character, Edward is a cell-shaded embodiment of cocksure machismo. A guy who has advanced his entire life by manipulating the insecurities of women like Emma and Michelle with his suave charm, only to now be confronted with mental impotence. It’s a fascinating concept that is somehow made more intriguing as a moving sketch.

As Morelli and writer Matt Hansen weave these threads into a cohesive narrative, the film evolves into a piece on the dangers of body image, sexual dominance and self-doubt. Emma is desperate to feel confident in her own skin, Michelle is determined to shed the societal requirements of hers, while Edward is on an urgent quest to reestablish his. In an era of nonsensical sequels and never-ending remakes, “Zoom” is that sip of cool refreshment we need on a hot summer night.

It is also a mind-bendingly engaging work of art.

Zoom releases theatrically September 2, 2016
Starring Alison Pill, Gael Garcia Bernal, Tyler Labine
Written by Matt Hansen
Directed by Pedro Morelli