Written and directed by Dana Ziyasheva, Greatland is a 2024 science fiction drama that stars Arman Darbo, Shannon Briggs, Nhya Cedon, Ellen Clifford and the ever dependable Eric Roberts. The film is produced by Igor Darbo whose previous credits include Kung Fu Man and Defenders of Life.
Greatland takes the viewer on an unforgettable journey as a teenage boy finds himself trapped in a world of perpetual fun and inter-species love ruled by a universal Mother. Mustering up the courage to take this monumental journey, the boy crosses the forbidden frontier to save his childhood sweetheart as an absurd election and a deadly virus lead to chaos and violence. Answering the call to become a saviour, the boy will find himself at the cusp of a life changing journey.
In her previous life, Ziyasheva was a journalist and a UNESCO diplomat and thus, she manages to infuse the film with her extensive experiences that she managed to collect around the world. For a science fiction film that looks and feels it’s for the kids, Greatland manages to excel in a few key areas. First, this is a film with vision and the vision is executed perfectly. Dana Ziyasheva knows what she wants and brings her twisted vision to life without fail.
Secondly, the film excels in its cast which brings its A-game to the table. The young protagonist Ulysses, played by Arman Darbo is a revelation and he manages to carry the entire film effortlessly. Displaying a stunning command of the emotional aspect of the script, Darbo manages to out-act every one effortlessly. Equally impressive is veteran American actor Eric Roberts whose charm and charisma make the whole endeavour better.
In visuals, Greatland manages colour and outlandish costumes in a way that is mindblowing. Looking like it was ripped straight from a child’s colouring book, this film is totally bonkers in all the ways imaginable. In regards to technical aspects, the lighting is fantastic and so is the set design. The film looks and feels like a fever dream on steroids and for a film that takes place entirely in a colourful fantasy land, the action is both well lit and perfectly choreographed. The closeups, the drama and the action; everything is staged in a way that feels both real and outlandish and this fine balance is the reason that the film has turned out really well done. From the narrative pacing to the cinematography and from the score to the makeup, each aspect of the production knocks it out of the park.
The musical score is absolutely beautiful, setting the tone for the entire film. The low notes of the piano work their magic as the story picks up pace, imbuing flavour and depth into the twisty adventure that lies ahead. The score complements the gorgeous imagery that makes up the film, succeeding in ripping us across time into this fantastical world, where everything seems possible. In addition, what is fascinating is that Arman Darbo composed some of this music himself.
With a runtime of around a hundred minutes, it is shocking that Greatland feels so short and brisk. The narrative pacing keeps you on edge and there is not a single moment where the momentum of the story feels stuck in the mud of its own making. Heavy doses of both comedy and action ensures that time passes quickly by and the audience comes out of the theatre fully satisfied with the visceral experience that they just experienced.
Thus, Greatland is a beautiful, different and highly original film that manages to work in multiple ways, transporting the audience on a beautiful journey across time. From its spot on narration to the music, each aspect of this ‘film’ makes it unique. This is a film with both style and substance. While the bright colours and young cast may lead some to not take this endeavour seriously, this is a deep film whose narrative threads and subtexts are both heavy and far reaching. Part satire of modern society and part a warning if certain forces are left unchecked, Greatland is a groundbreaking piece of art that takes its viewers on an unforgettable journey.
Watch is now on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Greatland-Dana-Ziyasheva/dp/B0DHKYQ3F9/.
