Chloë Sevigny's Magic Farm is a vivid but slightly underbaked comedy
A team of obnoxious, self-absorbed American filmmakers, who make attention-grabbing, off-kilter online videos, head off to a rural town in Argentina to interview a bunny ear-wearing musician who has gone viral.
The only thing is, due to poor communication and lazy research, they've landed in the wrong South American country.
Desperate to save their reputations and make good on the considerable expense of hustling this quintet of content creators to such a remote location, they set about grilling the locals about potential stories to shoot, all the while ignorantly ignoring the enormous health crisis story under their noses.
The team is headed up by jaded presenter Edna (Chloë Sevigny) and her slimy producer-husband Dave (Simon Rex), who soon hurriedly returns to New York to deal with an icky legal issue.
Edna is left to pick up the pieces alongside her three young crew members - the inept, whiny producer Jeff (Alex Wolff), impressively coiffed and sweet sound guy Justin (Joe Apollonio) and steadfast cameraperson Elena, played by Ulman herself, who is both the only Spanish-speaking member of the group and the only one who seems to have her head on her shoulders.
They team up with the kindly hostel manager (Guillermo Jacubowicz), connected local woman Popa (Valeria Lois) and her beautiful, chronically online adult daughter Manchi (Camila del Campo) to try and concoct a story.
While Magic Farm is breezily watchable, aided by the pleasingly lurid cinematography, perfectly pitched performances and occasional zingy one-liners, there's a sense that we never get to scratch the surface of any of the characters.
In a somewhat underwritten role, Sevigny brings a stoic resignedness to Edna, Wolff is transformed as a hot-mess ladies man and Apollonio and Jacubowicz bring a tenderness to their sweet and unexpected bond.
Some genuine moments poke through the absurdist, deadpan humour, and the intermittent gimmicky camerawork gives the proceedings an enjoyably trippy feel, there's a sense Magic Farm never quite fulfills its considerable potential.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
3 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming picks: The Twisted Tale Of Amanda Knox, Families Like Ours and Tamara Drewe
George Clarke's Kitchen vs Garden Channel 4, 8pm The architect and garden designer Luke Millard head to Bristol, where a couple must decide to blow most of their budget on George's ideas for a swanky kitchen or Luke's Japanese-style garden. Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure Virgin Media One, 9pm After turning his back on a long and successful broadcasting career, Edmonds headed to New Zealand to start a new life with his wife Liz. Across three episodes, they discuss their experiences and efforts to start a new hospitality business. Families Like Ours TG4, 10.30pm We're at the sci-fi drama's midway point, and Fanny is all set to leave for Romania. While she and Laura struggle with the move, Nikolaj and Henrik must deal with the repercussions of their decision and Danilo searches for his missing son. The Graceless Age – The Ballad of John Murry RTÉ One, 10.35pm Feature-length documentary about the American singer-songwriter who, after releasing his acclaimed debut solo album, suffered a personal crisis that resulted in him relocating to Co Longford, where he has found an inner peace. Tamara Drewe BBC Two, 11pm Posy Simmonds's comic strip is brought brilliantly to life by director Stephen Frears. Gemma Arterton takes the title role, that of a journalist whose return to the sleepy village where she grew up shakes up the locals. Roger Allam, Dominic Cooper and Tamsin Greig co-star. The Twisted Tale Of Amanda Knox Disney+, streaming now What's more twisted: the obsession with Amanda Knox or how few recall Raffaele Sollecito (Knox's then-boyfriend, also wrongfully convicted) or Rudy Guede (the person ultimately convicted for Meredith Kercher's death)? This limited series draws from Knox's 16-year fight for freedom. The Gambler and His Cowboys Netflix, streaming now If anyone is looking for yet more American 'football' viewing, complete with burly men on the brink and cheerleaders flipping out, here's the definitive story of The Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones's impact on NFL history. Devo Netflix, streaming now Through rare footage, this documentary maps Devo's transformation – from avant-garde provocateurs in Ohio's underground scene to chart-topping innovators of the new wave era. In case you're wondering, Devo preceded Talking Heads by two years. Just saying. The Hunt For Shannon Matthews Prime Video, streaming now In 2008, nine-year-old Shannon Matthews disappeared on her way home from school in West Yorkshire, sparking a nationwide search. What began as a heartbreaking mystery soon took a disturbing turn. This two-parter revisits the case. Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser Netflix, streaming now Remember the 'transformation' shows of the Noughties? At one end of the scale, you had What Not To Wear and 10 Years Younger. At the other end, there was Extreme Makeover and The Swan. While most of the aforementioned predominantly featured women changing themselves for societal approval, The Biggest Loser was different. The global franchise, which ran from 2004 until (would you believe it) 2016, equally targeted men. Now, this docu-series looks at the making of the hit reality competition, exploring the good, the bad, and the exceptionally complicated. Featuring interviews with former contestants, trainers, producers and health professionals, the three-parter examines the show's approach to transformation, the support systems in place, and the unique challenges of filming a reality television show predominantly hinged on people with obesity issues losing weight in record time in the name of entertainment. Limitless: Live Better Now Disney+, streaming now Chris Hemsworth takes on three epic challenges to explore science-backed ways to improve our health. It proves that, when you're a famous actor fronting a documentary, your resources are 'limitless', as Thor becomes a drummer at a stadium gig, climbs a frozen 600-foot wall, and embraces brutal Special Forces pain training in South Korea. Speaking of which... The Echoes of Survivors: Inside Korea's Tragedies Netflix, streaming now South Korea is known for its cultural exports like K-pop and drama, but its story runs far deeper. Like Ireland, it bears the scars of oppression – a legacy that has fuelled renowned artistic expression. This powerful documentary series revisits traumatic events that profoundly shaped the nation. Night Always Comes Netflix, streaming now Movie time now. And it's a light little number (I jest) featuring Vanessa Kirby, Julia Fox and Eli Roth. Adapted from Willy Vlautin's bestselling novel, it follows Lynette, a woman who risks everything to secure a house for her family in a city they can no longer afford to live in.
Extra.ie
11 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Sharon Horgan starring in new Amanda Knox docu-series landing this week
Sharon Horgan is among a star-studded line-up for a new docu-series on the wrongful conviction of Amanda Knox. Amanda's life changed when she was wrongfully convicted of the murder of her housemate, Meredith Kercher, in Italy in 2007. The American student, and her then boyfriend, Rafaelle Sollecito, had their convictions overturned in the appeals court before the Perugian Appeal's Court found them guilty once again. Sharon Horgan is among a star-studded line-up for a new true-story documentary on the wrongful conviction of Amanda Knox. Pic: Iona Wolff/BAFTA via Getty Images Italy's highest court, the Court of Cassation found the pair innocent of the murder in 2015. While there have been plenty of documentaries about the shocking case, The Twisting Tale of Amanda Knox is being executive-produced by Amanda herself, as she tells her story on her terms. Amanda is now 37-years-old and is married to Chris Robinson, with the couple sharing a daughter and a son. Amanda is now 37-years-old and is married to Chris Robinson, with the couple sharing a daughter and a son. Pic: Paula Lobo/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images The couple are among the producers for the eight-part mini-series which airs on Hulu and Disney+ from Wednesday, August 20. KJ Steinberg is creator and executive producer with Warren Littlefield, Lisa Harrison, Ann Johnson and Graham Littlefield also on exec. producing duties. Bad Sisters creator Sharon plays Edda Mellas, Amanda's mum, in the series while Grace Van Patten plays the lead role. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sharon Horgan (@sharonhorgan) Taking to Instagram, Sharon shared a teaser of the docu-series ahead of its release on Wednesday. She wrote: 'If you've ever questioned the portrayal of women in the media, especially young women who dare to have a sexuality then this will be eye opening. At a time when the world is constantly dealing with the impact of misinformation, the show explores how bias shapes narratives.' The Twisted Tales of Amanda Know premieres on Wednesday, August 20 on Hulu — and Disney+ for Irish fans — with two episodes released, followed by one episode weekly.
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Cat Deeley makes statement with symbolic new look after Patrick Kielty split
Cat Deeley removed her wedding ring as she stepped out in London following her shock split from husband Patrick Kielty on Monday. The This Morning host, 48, Irish comedian, 54, and who share sons Milo, seven, and James, five, revealed last month that they had taken the decision to end their 13 year marriage, stressing that 'no other party' was involved. Cat opted to wear the dazzling diamond ring on her left hand in a pointed gesture that seemingly symbolised her new life chapter. She looked stylish while still keeping it lowkey, while running errands near the former couple's marital home, in a white shirt which she teamed with blue denim high-waisted flares. Cat teamed up her outfit with gold rimmed aviator shades and paired it with tan sandals and a brown faux leather tote bag, Mirror UK reports. The world was shocked to its core last month when much-loved couple Cat and RTE Late Late Show host Patrick announced their separation after 13 years of marriage. The presenters shared a joint statement on July 29 that read: 'We have taken the decision to end our marriage and are now separated. There is no other party involved. We will continue to be united as loving parents to our children and would therefore kindly ask for our family privacy to be respected. There will be no further comment.' Interestingly, the two decided to make their announcement while Cat is away on her Summer break from This Morning, which she usually co-hosts during term time with Ben Shephard. Now reports have suggested that this was a conscious decision as she didn't want to be in the limelight, and with her return to the ITV show looming, Cat is said to be hoping that viewers will have forgotten about it. A source told Mail Plus: 'There will be literally six weeks between Cat's break-up announcement and her returning to work. There will be literally six weeks between Cat's break-up announcement and her returning to work. Imagine if she had been on screen when it broke? I guess she didn't want to have to deal with that. It was easier to go on holiday.' Patrick Kielty and Cat Deeley announced their split last month (Image: Jason LaVeris, FilmMagicvia Getty Images) After the announcement, the mum-of-two was spotted enjoying a break in the Spanish town of Sitges with her hairdresser to the stars pal, Ben Skervin, hoping to no doubt keep a low profile and wait for things to blow over. She's expected to return to the iconic This Morning sofa with co-host Ben, 50, on Monday 1 September and viewers will have to wait with baited breath to see if she opens up about her split. The former couple met while hosting BBC's Fame Academy together in 2002, but it wasn't until 2011 that they finally decided to take their friendship to a romantic level. They proceeded to get married in Rome in 2012 and are parents to two sons, Milo and James. Although Cat and Patrick didn't reveal the reason why they decided to call it quits, reports have claimed that their equally busy work schedules got in the way and drove a wedge between their marriage. Cat has hosted This Morning alongside Ben since early last year, and previously lived in Los Angeles for more than 10 years. Meanwhile, Co Down presenter Patrick is the host of RTE talk show The Late Late Show, having taken over from Ryan Tubridy in 2023. Despite living in the UK, Patrick would travel to Dublin every week to present the show from the RTE studios. Due to their clashing schedules, it became difficult for Patrick and Cat to spend quality time together, according to insiders. They told Mail Online: 'Despite living in the UK, Patrick would travel to Dublin every week to present the show from the RTE studios. Due to their clashing schedules, it became difficult for Patrick and Cat to spend quality time together, according to insiders.' Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
