In the opening moments of Rumours, the latest whimsical film from Canadian director Guy Maddin, co-directed with Evan and Galen Johnson, a group of world leaders stumbles upon a mysterious discovery—a bog body. Preserved in the peat since the Iron Age, the mummified remains serve as a metaphorical commentary for the film’s underlying themes. As an archaeologist in the film explains, such bodies were often tribal leaders, sacrificed when their leadership failed. The connection to the movie’s central focus is clear: Rumours unfolds at a near-future G7 summit, where seven of the world’s most powerful leaders gather to resolve an unnamed global crisis.
The film, which debuts in U.S. theaters on October 18, features an ensemble cast playing fictional leaders representing the G7 nations. Each character embodies exaggerated stereotypes of their country, a nod to Charles de Gaulle’s idea that a leader should represent the spirit of their nation. Cate Blanchett plays German Chancellor Hilda Ortmann, a clear Angela Merkel figure, donning a salmon jacket and sporting a bob haircut, while speaking in a clipped, authoritative tone. American President Edison Wolcott, portrayed by Charles Dance, exudes old-world charm with a hint of Yankee confidence. The Canadian Prime Minister, Maxime Laplace, played by Roy Dupuis, is a disillusioned romantic with a ponytail, while Italian Prime Minister Antonio Lamorte, portrayed by Rolando Ravello, is a comical figure often seen with slices of salami tucked into his pockets.
The leaders converge at the summit to draft a “provisional statement” addressing an unspecified global issue, though it remains unclear whether the crisis involves war, environmental disaster, or something more nebulous. The situation quickly spirals out of control, with the group failing to agree on a resolution, akin to a chaotic school project. As night falls, attendees begin to vanish into the surrounding woods, claiming to have seen creatures ranging from zombies to mysterious beasts. The summit unravels into a phantasmagorical frenzy, threatening not only their survival but the world itself.
While the setup might sound like the foundation for a serious political thriller, Rumours is anything but. Maddin and the Johnsons infuse the film with a distinctively absurdist humor, turning scenes that begin in one direction into outrageous spectacles. The movie blurs the line between reality and fantasy, leaving viewers questioning what they’re seeing. Its satirical edge recalls the work of Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund (Triangle of Sadness), though Rumours veers into even more surreal, untethered territory. The American president’s arrival with a stars-and-stripes napkin and the summit’s central theme of “regret” are just a few of the over-the-top elements. Adding to the film’s bizarre atmosphere is a psychic brain in the woods, ominously preaching about the apocalypse.
Visually, Rumours is striking. The filmmakers push cinematic boundaries, blending a retro aesthetic with innovative techniques. Scenes of characters wandering through fog-drenched forests evoke the eerie mood of 1970s slasher films. The intense color palette, with purples, reds, and greens, adds to the otherworldly feel. The production’s use of practical effects, including fog machines and atmospheric lighting, harks back to the gothic horror of Hammer Films, offering a visual contrast to the film’s farcical tone.
Despite its outlandish humor, Rumours doesn’t shy away from horror elements. Its political satire takes aim at familiar targets, but the film’s surreal horror-comedy vibe sets it apart. The flat, exaggerated portrayals of world leaders allow the film’s strange and supernatural elements to shine even brighter. And while the political commentary might not be groundbreaking, the sheer spectacle and absurdity of the plot make the journey worthwhile. Plus, watching Cate Blanchett flawlessly execute a German accent for two hours is reason enough to see this film.
In Rumours, Guy Maddin and his collaborators deliver a playful yet unsettling film that mixes lo-fi horror with sharp, absurd political satire. It’s a movie that defies easy categorization, offering a bizarre and visually captivating experience for audiences seeking something beyond the ordinary.
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