'A Whisker Away (2020)' is a bit of an odd film, I suppose. It focuses on a young girl who attempts to win the affections of her crush by turning into a cat each night. Though its characterisations are somewhat inconsistent, the piece manages to turn what should be simple archetypes into relatively rounded roles. Obsession isn't as simple as it seems here, with the lead's over-the-top infatuation soon peeling back to reveal a slew of near crippling insecurities. In fact, it's this sort of subversion that makes the movie work as well as it does. Though its core concept is potentially rather problematic, it's framed in such a way that it actually works to enhance the flick's exploration of its flawed core players. It's all very bright and bouncy even when it suddenly gets rather dark. It maintains its aesthetic regardless of its subject matter, making the gloomier aspects all the more unassuming. At the same time, the film has an eerie otherworldliness to it that takes over in the final third. Its balance between grounded drama and surrealist fantasy is surprisingly effective. It ultimately leads to a quirky and enjoyable experience. It's entertaining, engaging and unique. 7/10
Review of A Whisker Away
