Bad Lucky Goat

"Bad Lucky Goat" is a unique cinematic production helmed by first-time Colombian director Samir Oliveros. By successfully intertwining themes of familial bonds, death, juvenile defiance, and atonement, Oliveros crafts an exquisite tapestry of Caribbean culture and universal lessons learned. The film, released in 2017, stars Honlenny Huffington as the rebellious and dynamic Corn, and Kiara Howard as the resolute and strong-willed Rita. Jean Bush Howard provides an amazing supporting role that adds depth and flavor to this already rich and flavorful film.

"Bad Lucky Goat" starts off in the picturesque Port Paradise, a fictional town in the Colombian Caribbean. It tells the tale of Corn and Rita, siblings who have wildly contrasting personalities. The two are forced to embark on a journey of self-discovery and forgiveness, following a series of events triggered by an unfortunate incident involving a goat, hence the movie's title.

Corn, played by Honlenny Huffington, embodies the typical rebellious teen of this coastal region of Colombia. He is the son of a local fisherman and occasionally helps out in his family's business, but his heart lies in music. Huffington deftly channels the longing, naivety, and defiant nature of youth into his character and gives a performance that can only be described as captivating.

On the other hand, Kiara Howard's Rita stands out as the perfect foil to Corn. Rita is the more mature, responsible sibling put in charge of the family's run-down hotel during the tourist off-season. Howard conveys an impressive range of emotions throughout the film, from helplessness to anger to grudging affection for her errant brother.

Jean Bush Howard plays an enigmatic and critical role adding a layer of profound mystery and gravitas to the story that elevates the quality of the film. His portrayal of a wise islander showcases his talent for infusing his characters with a mix of warmth, charm, and gravitas.

The narrative is driven forward in a sequence of bizarre and often amusing Hazards and encounters. With each mishap, the siblings' bond is tested and strengthened, their attitudes evolve, and their characters are fleshed out. The film is not only a coming-of-age story but also a showcase of the beautifully diverse and vibrant cultures present in the Colombian Caribbean.

Director Oliveros lets the rich colors, authenticity, and vivacious culture of the Colombian Caribbean breathe life into the film itself. The shoot was carried out on location, and the backdrop of Port Paradise provides a picturesque setting that contrasts effectively with the bitterness and tension between the siblings. The cinematography and production design demand special mention as well, capturing the beauty of the Colombian landscape with stunning detail.

Viewers can also look forward to the mesmerizing original music score that accompanies the narrative, ranging from Afro-Caribbean tunes to intricately crafted choral pieces, each skillfully chosen to complement the tone and mood of each scene.

Adding to the uniqueness of the film, the dialogue is mostly in Creolese English, an English-based creole language native to the Caribbean coast of Colombia, but is subtitled for viewers to easily follow the narrative. This adds an extra layer of authenticity to the film and showcases Oliveros’ commitment to represent the local culture accurately.

"Bad Lucky Goat" is marketed as a comedy-drama, and indeed, it gently weaves elements of both genres into a story of the familial love that ultimately trumps over the most ironic situations. As their day turns from bad to worse, Corn and Rita start realizing the importance of their sibling bond.

To conclude, "Bad Lucky Goat" is an interesting exploration into the relationship of two very different siblings set against the visually enchanting backdrop of coastal Colombia. It is a movie that delivers its profound messages in a light-hearted, subtle manner and is imbued with an emotional depth that is sure to resonate with its viewers long after they have left the theaters. The film's captivating performances, vibrant cinematography, and captivating storyline make it a must-watch for any lover of world cinema seeking something different yet enduringly poignant.