2017
With a firework sensibility of joy and agony, Axolotl Overkill practically burns down the screen. The film from 24-year-old writer/director Helene Hegemann is a spree of bored, bright youth in rebellion against nothing in particular, cut together (by German editing icon Bettina Böhler) to flirt with magical realism while hangover vomiting into a Dolce and Gabbana bag.
The film, based on Hegemann’s controversial novel, revolves around a 16-year-old Berlin pinball named Mifti (Jasna Fritzi Bauer) who bounces with impish delight between sex with an older woman, Alice (Arly Jover), disrespecting her school administrators, a wealthy family of enablers, step-sister Anika (Laura Tonke) trying to play parent, the pain of losing her mother to a heart condition, and her new famous friend Ophelia (Mavie Hörbiger), whose access to cocaine and interesting party pals come in handy.
In a sense, it makes a manic pixie dream girl the star of her own movie.
Mifti is a force of nature, confident in all things, undaunted by authority or convention, uninhibited in her consumption. She elevates LOLj/k to a life philosophy, but she’s not the wispy moron that usually flutters through movies like this. Half of what makes her so dangerous is her fierce, self-aware intelligence. Bauer–known for playing these nasty youth roles back home in Germany–owns every frame with both leonine confidence and an unnerving comfort with every dark scenario.
Unlike the bodily exploration of Wetlands or the sexy-fish-over-her-head taboo of Havoc, Axolotl Overkill manages to treat youthful sexuality with both respect and reality–recognizing the dangerous consequences of the party-bound lifestyle without adding an ounce of extra shame or getting too luridly hygienic.
That’s partially because Mifti’s adventures are based on whim more than malice. She doesn’t seem intent on grinding herself into the ground with booze and anonymous sex because of some deep-seated trauma she has to face, so much as she’s simply open to the next fun thing in life.
That’s the shared, secret language that guides every character. Like an improv troupe, they share the deep intimacy of accepting each other’s wacky ideas without question. Maybe that’s deciding to bail on a restaurant right after sitting down and ordering 5 mineral waters. Maybe that’s deciding to have sex with the cab driver who just dropped off the date you made out with earlier. Maybe that’s bringing your new water-based pet to the hottest nightclub in Berlin. Whatever feels right. Acceptance is the watchword.
And, yes, the axolotl. For those who don’t know, it’s an adorable mole salamander that stays permanently, like Mifti and friends, in its larval stage. More than metaphors, they also look like creatures Harry Potter might study, which ties nicely into the animal-based magical realism Axolotl Overdrive dips its toes into. These moments-randomly finding some llamas, meeting a unicorn on a walk of shame through the forest–feel like downing a packet of Pop Rocks with a smile already on your face.
Even we, the viewers, get our own dreamlike visions, leaving Mifti and her friends behind occasionally to enjoy a captivating dance sequence that seems inserted into the film as a reminder that writer/director Hegemann is the one guiding the whimsy. A project this frenetic runs the risk of being a confusing mess, but Böhler and Hegemann manage to build something with a quick rhythmic impulse that feels like constructive A.D.D. There’s a grand clarity at work, even when we jump in time or enter a potential fantasy mindset.
As for the ensemble, Jover is smoldering as a mature foil. She’s also into parties, obviously cool with bedding underage girls, and makes a ton of money through illegal means, but she’s grounded. Calmer. Content. Mifti is also drawn to Ophelia–played like a caged tiger by Hörbiger–with her mercurial state of mind and celebrity status. They hit it off immediately, sharing the comfort of being impulsive with another person who isn’t judging you. Here again that theme of acceptance emerges. So much of the uptempo diversions are underscored by Mifti’s need to be in control, to offer it temporarily to someone else, or to respond after losing it.
Everything comes together beautifully to craft a whirlwind portrait that’s mischievous, smart, and substantial.
5 out of 5 larval stage burritos
Images: Vandertastic
With a firework sensibility of joy and agony, Axolotl Overkill practically burns down the screen. The film from 24-year-old writer/director Helene Hegemann is a spree of bored, bright youth in rebellion against nothing in particular, cut together (by German editing icon Bettina Böhler) to flirt with magical realism while hangover vomiting into a Dolce and Gabbana bag.
The film, based on Hegemann’s controversial novel, revolves around a 16-year-old Berlin pinball named Mifti (Jasna Fritzi Bauer) who bounces with impish delight between sex with an older woman, Alice (Arly Jover), disrespecting her school administrators, a wealthy family of enablers, step-sister Anika (Laura Tonke) trying to play parent, the pain of losing her mother to a heart condition, and her new famous friend Ophelia (Mavie Hörbiger), whose access to cocaine and interesting party pals come in handy.
In a sense, it makes a manic pixie dream girl the star of her own movie.
Mifti is a force of nature, confident in all things, undaunted by authority or convention, uninhibited in her consumption. She elevates LOLj/k to a life philosophy, but she’s not the wispy moron that usually flutters through movies like this. Half of what makes her so dangerous is her fierce, self-aware intelligence. Bauer–known for playing these nasty youth roles back home in Germany–owns every frame with both leonine confidence and an unnerving comfort with every dark scenario.
Unlike the bodily exploration of Wetlands or the sexy-fish-over-her-head taboo of Havoc, Axolotl Overkill manages to treat youthful sexuality with both respect and reality–recognizing the dangerous consequences of the party-bound lifestyle without adding an ounce of extra shame or getting too luridly hygienic.
That’s partially because Mifti’s adventures are based on whim more than malice. She doesn’t seem intent on grinding herself into the ground with booze and anonymous sex because of some deep-seated trauma she has to face, so much as she’s simply open to the next fun thing in life.
That’s the shared, secret language that guides every character. Like an improv troupe, they share the deep intimacy of accepting each other’s wacky ideas without question. Maybe that’s deciding to bail on a restaurant right after sitting down and ordering 5 mineral waters. Maybe that’s deciding to have sex with the cab driver who just dropped off the date you made out with earlier. Maybe that’s bringing your new water-based pet to the hottest nightclub in Berlin. Whatever feels right. Acceptance is the watchword.
And, yes, the axolotl. For those who don’t know, it’s an adorable mole salamander that stays permanently, like Mifti and friends, in its larval stage. More than metaphors, they also look like creatures Harry Potter might study, which ties nicely into the animal-based magical realism Axolotl Overdrive dips its toes into. These moments-randomly finding some llamas, meeting a unicorn on a walk of shame through the forest–feel like downing a packet of Pop Rocks with a smile already on your face.
Even we, the viewers, get our own dreamlike visions, leaving Mifti and her friends behind occasionally to enjoy a captivating dance sequence that seems inserted into the film as a reminder that writer/director Hegemann is the one guiding the whimsy. A project this frenetic runs the risk of being a confusing mess, but Böhler and Hegemann manage to build something with a quick rhythmic impulse that feels like constructive A.D.D. There’s a grand clarity at work, even when we jump in time or enter a potential fantasy mindset.
As for the ensemble, Jover is smoldering as a mature foil. She’s also into parties, obviously cool with bedding underage girls, and makes a ton of money through illegal means, but she’s grounded. Calmer. Content. Mifti is also drawn to Ophelia–played like a caged tiger by Hörbiger–with her mercurial state of mind and celebrity status. They hit it off immediately, sharing the comfort of being impulsive with another person who isn’t judging you. Here again that theme of acceptance emerges. So much of the uptempo diversions are underscored by Mifti’s need to be in control, to offer it temporarily to someone else, or to respond after losing it.
Everything comes together beautifully to craft a whirlwind portrait that’s mischievous, smart, and substantial.
5 out of 5 larval stage burritos
Images: Vandertastic
Last week, Abrams Books finally released the highly anticipated graphic novel adaptation of Octavia Butler’s classic novel, Kindred. Created by our friends John Jennings and Damian Duffy — collectively known as J2D2, the book has already shot to the top of the New York Times bestseller list for hardcover graphic novels! To celebrate this momentous occasion, revisit my conversation with them recorded last summer during San Diego Comic-Con. The conversation is also available via podcast from Soundcloud (embedded below). Please remember to subscribe to Hard NOC Life on YouTube or iTunes and leave us a rating and review so folks can find us there! And don’t forget to get your own copy of Kindred.
We talk about the honor and challenges behind adapting Octavia Butler’s story and why it’s important for new audiences to engage with her work and why it’s taken so long to have Butler’s work adapted. They also discuss the long tradition of black speculative fiction and Afrofuturism and their place in mainstream literary spaces. John also talks about his recent Eisner win!
Have you every succumbed to the siren's song of novelty yarn? Today's wreath project answers the age-old question "Now that I bought this novelty yarn that looked so cool in the store, what the heck will I do with it?" In an attempt to use the stuff in my stash, I created this Novelty Yarn Wreath, covered with plastic gemstones, and full of a kaleidoscope of jewel tone color.
Wreath a Day #4: Novelty Yarn & Gemstone Wreath
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I originally gave this wreath two different names. The first was "Psychedelic Bling Wreath" because this wreath is so colorful and flashy, and the second was "Tween Dream" wreath, which I think is its rightful wreath name. I would have LOVED to have this wreath in my room or locker as a tweenager! My seven year-old claimed this wreath as soon as he saw it. It's very colorful and fun in real life. Photos don't really do it justice.
I found this Bernat Boa yarn in my Craft Hoarders Paradise (aka, my garage), and I knew I had to try to use it for a wreath. I'm just not sure what to use novelty yarn for in regular crochet projects! What do you use it for?
This yarn is like a short, soft fringe with a very pretty colorway.
Supplies Needed:
- Foam wreath form*
- Bernat Boa yarn (or other novelty yarn)
- Plastic jewels or rhinestones*
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks*
- Scissors
*Items with an asterisk can be purchased at the dollar store.
Sometimes you can find novelty yarn at the dollar store, too! I also frequently find yarn in large bags at Goodwill for a good price.
Step 1: Wrap Yarn Around Wreath Form
You can hot glue the end of the yarn to the wreath form, or simply tie it like I did. Then, start wrapping the yarn around and around the wreath form, overlapping as you go.
If you are very detail-oriented, you might want the fringe to all face the same direction. I didn't worry about it. I also didn't worry too much about leaving small gaps because it was something I could go back and fix later.
It takes about 5-10 minutes to wrap the yarn around a wreath form. It will take longer if you want to make sure the fringe all faces the same direction.
After you cover the entire wreath form, wrap a second time around the form, just covering the areas where there are gaps in yarn.
Step 2: Glue Bling on Wreath
Fire up your hot glue gun and start gluing bling on your wreath. I used oversized plastic crystals that were shaped like arrowheads, and plastic chain links. You probably won't be able to find the exact items I used, so just use dollar store rhinestones, or any other bling you have in your stash. Any kind of beads or buttons would work, too!
Step 3: Tie Wreath Hanger
I don't think this part really needs its own official step in the instructions! Just tie a piece of yarn or ribbon around the top of the wreath to give it a hanger.
You're totally done! Now you have something you can make with your novelty yarn! I love how colorful and shiny this wreath is. It's a fun little wreath that takes about 30 minutes to complete. It would be a lot of fun to make on a tween/teen girls' craft night.
Follow along with my Wreath a Day project here!
If you’re looking for a tasty new beer to try out, this interactive periodic table will guide you in the right direction.