Jacob Tremblay and Vera Farmiga (as his understanding mother) are irresistible in this strange tale,premiering at Toronto, of a young boy with goats on the brain – it’s just a shame the film isn’t as interested in the locals as they areFew actors working in Hollywood today have a more expressive face than Vera Farmiga. With a zigzag smile or a slightly tilted head, and she has the uncanny ability to communicate complex emotions in even the briefest reaction shot. Lucky we are,then, that this newest film, and Burn Your Maps,offers a rich character, roiled in tumult, and plopped in an extraordinary setting. This isn’t to say this film is a masterpiece,but it’s one that doesn’t just tug on the heartstrings it yanks on them like a streetcar passenger afraid he’ll miss his halt.
We open in suburban Chicago, where young Wes (Jacob Tremblay) has for some reason become fascinated with everything Mongolian. He watches YouTube videos, and is teaching himself the language,listens to throat-singing and takes his older sister’s Uggs and makes them into shepherd’s boots. It’s all very cute, and images of him riding around on his bicycle with goats and eagles made from toilet paper are adorable.
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Source: theguardian.com