In a bold departure from the hypermasculine world of Robert E. Howard’s Conan the Barbarian, French writer/director Bertrand Mandico’s new film “She Is Conann” takes a daring feminist approach to the classic myth. This mind-bending, visually stunning film explores how the capacity for violence transcends gender boundaries.
A World of Chaos and Dreams:
Set in a surreal, ever-shifting landscape where time and space bend to the will of the subconscious, “She Is Conann” follows the journey of a young girl who becomes a legendary barbarian after her village is destroyed by ruthless raiders. At just 15, Conann (Claire Duburcq) faces a bleak future when her mother is killed and she is enslaved by the cruel warrior Sanja (Julia Riedler). With nothing left to lose, Conann embraces the currency of her world – brutal savagery – to survive, unwittingly altering the course of human history.
Echoes of the Original, with a Twist:
While “She Is Conann” shares some basic plot elements and depicts a world steeped in sexualized ultraviolence, reminiscent of John Milius’ 1982 “Conan the Barbarian” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mandico’s film goes beyond simply subverting the hypermasculine narrative by focusing on women characters. Instead, it delves into one of the most intriguing aspects of Howard’s original Conan mythos.
A Tapestry of Lives:
Drawing inspiration from Howard’s 1932 short story ”People of the Dark,” in which Conan is revealed to be a past life of another character, “She Is Conann” presents its protagonist not as a singular entity, but as an older woman (Françoise Brion) reflecting on the many lives she lived on her path to becoming an icon of war and destruction. The 15-year-old Conann is just one piece of a larger puzzle, her terror a testament to the beginning of her epic journey.
Pivotal Moments of Self-Discovery:
As Conann encounters the demon Rainer (Elina Löwensohn) and her 25-year-old self (Christa Théret), who must kill her past self to move forward, the film focuses on these pivotal moments of self-annihilation and realization to explore the many faces of barbarity. For the elder Conann, wandering through hell in search of her memories, this is ancient history, but for the younger Conanns, it is a terrifying and transformative experience.
A Visual Feast:
Anna Le Mouël’s production design showcases how “She Is Conann” evolved from Mandico’s earlier Conan-focused projects at the Théâtre Nanterre-Amandiers. The film’s abstract, stage-play-like quality, particularly in its opening act, evokes the shock of looking back on one’s life, while the brutal, beautiful transitions between Conanns serve as a metaphor for the barbarity of destroying one version of oneself to become another.
Cinematographer Nicolas Eveilleau’s keen eye highlights the rich textures of each vignette, creating a shockingly beautiful film despite its gory depictions of disembowelment. Costume designer Elise Cribier-Delande’s high-fashion aesthetic brilliantly explores the many facets of Conann’s identity.
Conclusion:
While each Conann is unique, they are all women driven by their desires – for vengeance, understanding, and connection – to excel as barbarians. As “She Is Conann” races towards its conclusion, Conann herself becomes an increasingly fascinating and macabre figure, but it is the film’s portrayal of barbarism as a thing of arresting beauty that truly inspires.
“She Is Conann” features an ensemble cast including Sandra Parfait, Christophe Bier, Karoline Rose Sun, Holly-Rose Clegg, Yuming Hey, and Anna Raisson. The film is set for a limited theatrical release across the US and is available for preorder on DVD and Blu-Ray.
5 Comments
Conann’s brutal journey from enslaved girl to legendary barbarian challenges traditional gender roles in this surreal reimagining
Conann’s journey of self-discovery through violence and chaos challenges gender norms in this surreal reimagining of a classic myth.
The film’s complex portrayal of brutality across time and gender is thought-provoking.
The film’s surreal exploration of violence and gender is intriguing, if potentially controversial.
The film’s surreal, dreamlike visuals are a perfect match for its mind-bending narrative.