PopHorror Let's Get Scared
When browsing the films to watch for Fantastic Fest 2019, Cosmic Candy was one I wasn’t sure about. It just didn’t seem like something I would like, but I was wrong. This film is wonderful and took me on an emotional yet magical trip.
This fantasy drama was directed by Rinio Dragasaki as well as co-written by Dragasaki and Katerina Kaklamani. The cast includes Dimitris Lalos, Maria Kitsou, Antonis Tsiotsiopoulos, Pipera Maya, Dimitris Drosos, and more.
Synopsis for Cosmic Candy
Anna, an eccentric supermarket cashier with an obsessive taste for a trippy treat called Cosmic Candy, undergoes a quirky transformation when forced to care for a ten-year-old neighbor girl.
Some stories are told and leave no lasting impression. Then there are stories that shake you to your core, make you think about your life, your relationships, the universe, and all the emotions that come with that. That film is Cosmic Candy. It’s pure cinematic perfection and it took me on a magical trip; a rollercoaster of emotions from sadness to happiness, and everything in between.
I feel like I can relate to Anna all too well, uncomfortably so. We’ve both have gone through drama and that drama changed us. Closed ourselves off from everyone around us in hopes to never feel anything again. That is until she meets Persa, a 10-year-old girl who sparks a light in her that she had long forgotten. She is forced out of her daily routine and thrown into chaos, and yes the big c-word – change. Her biggest fear. What starts out a nightmare for Anna turns out to be a blessing in disguise and she’s able to start living again instead of just surviving.
Both actresses give phenomenal performances. An unlikely and unusual friendship develops between them and brings much joy and light to the film. Their chemistry and relationship is uniquely beautiful, and is powerful enough to mend broken hearts and loneliness. Although Anna is quirky and dismissive, there’s also something very charming about her that makes you care and want to know more about her story. Persa is your typical 10-year-old, full of life and go-go-go. Her energy and sunny personality are contagious and you can’t help but love her.
There are some random fantasy-like moments throughout the film with great special effects usually revolving around Cosmic Candy, otherwise known as pop rocks to me. There’s a scene where Anna is indulging in her favorite treat with her mouth opened wide listening to the cracks and pops of the candy. And later on, Persa does the same thing. Something about those scenes, really resonated with me as I’ve done the same thing myself and the connection just felt surreal.
Final Thoughts
This was such a beautiful film and one that deeply impacted me. I hope others connect to it the same way as I did. Everything about it is great, but you’ll stay for the unique and quirky story with phenomenal performances that you’ll fall in love with. Cosmic Candy just premiered at Fantasia Fest 2019 and is currently making its way through the festival circuit.
