Johnny Review

Johnny is a 2021 feature film directed by John Charles Gerald.

A dense and sometimes meandering film that still has a lot of charm and heart underneath all of its layers, Johnny is at once meditative while still having approachability that will make it a solid watch for those who can be patient with it.

Like something out of a lost Donnie Darko style story, what we are presented here is a tale that reflects on past trauma, particularly that of child abuse. Though how things are presented is done in a way that is anything but ordinary.

There are parts of the film that are certainly more enjoyable than others, but it is this rough around the edges nature that one can see lending it a certain level of credence to cult movie watchers to discover for years to come. Even despite the important narrative, there are many visual elements to be drawn into.

Going back to the Donnie Darko parallels, which anyone who has ever seen that film will instantly pick up on, imagine if that movie had an even less sensical narrative structure and this is about what you would get.

This experimental approach will not bring everyone to the table screaming for joy, but for those who enjoy a unique approach to their storytelling, there will be plenty to take in and enjoy.

If you have ever had to deal with abuse in any way, shape or form, it must first be said that what you have had to go through is by no means easy and the fact that you are still pushing forward is amazing. Watching this film may deliver some close to home moments but a conclusion which lends itself to acknowledging that pain is a welcome cap to the piece.

All in all, Johnny is sure not to please everyone, but those who get sucked into its narrative will find a lot to enjoy. This may not exactly be the right time of year to sit down to the film, but if you enjoy cult status ready films, then go sit down to it when you can.

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Cheers!

Daniel Hess

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