Imagine if your dreams were taxed like your paycheck? As a none dreamer I think I would buy tax exempt but Strawberry Mansion, a 2021 indie movie directed by Kentucker Audley and Albert Birney, spins this premise into a quirky, heartfelt sci-fi adventure that’s as thought-provoking as it is bizarre. And bizarre it is. I watched this today and will say it’s unlike anything I’ve seen lately—think Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind meets a lo budget Wizard of Oz.
Set in 2035, we follow James (played by Audley), a suited, stiff auditor of dreams who arrives at Bella’s (Penny Fuller) home to tally up all her unpaid taxes on her subconscious dreams. Bella is an eccentric artist who records her dreams on VHS tapes even though there was a modern tech mandate years earlier.
As James sifts through Bella’s VHS colorful dream archive with the strangest VHS player you will ever see, he is drawn into a surreal world of saxophone-playing frogs, blue demons, and fried chicken ads. He also starts crushing on a younger version of Bella (Grace Glowicki), which adds a tender, time-bending romance to the mix.
What makes Strawberry Mansion shine is its handmade charm. Shot digitally but transferred to 16mm for a grainy, nostalgic vibe, the film is like a love letter to analog creativity.
I felt like this movie is a big F U to the system that tries to monetize our thoughts and “likes”.
Without being preachy, it pokes at consumerism and surveillance of all our media outlets asking: what’s left of us when our inner worlds are up for sale. As we see everyday in our digital searches or likes and comments.
The plot wobbles a bit in the final act, veering into head scratching territory and much rewinding to see what I missed but the ride is so fun that I didn’t mind getting lost.
Fuller steals scenes as Bella, her mischievous grin hinting at secrets she’s not spilling, while Audley’s deadpan James grounds all the weirdness with relatable loneliness.
Strawberry Mansion isn’t for everyone! This isn’t clear-cut narratives or blockbuster polish but if you’re into quirky indies this one’s a treat. It’s a reminder to guard your dreams fiercely and maybe unplug from the noise once in a while. Unplug and engage!!!
You can catch Strawberry Mansion on Amazon Prime or VOD Have you seen it yet?Let me know what you think of all the acid dripping imagery like the frogs, wolves, fried chicken, sailor mice and veggies under the sand.
There are a few things aspects of the movie like underdevelopment of the characters or messages but it is still interesting enough for a watch.
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