Further Beyond

The film "Further Beyond" is a truly unique cinematic experience released in 2016, which catapults the audience into a mesmerizing journey of discovery. Further Beyond is an experimental documentary by co-directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor that blurs the lines between reality and recreation, successfully resonating with diverse audiences globally.

Further Beyond's narrative originates from the fascinating life story of Ambrosio O'Higgins, an ambitious Irishman of the 18th Century who rose from being a common merchant to becoming governor of Chile and later the Viceroy of Peru. As a true pioneer, O'Higgins' life serves as a tangible embodiment of personal transformation and the will to overcome diversity. This intriguing individual whose journey is both literal and metaphorical becomes the touchstone around which the film's narrative revolves.

Generating intrigue by using the unusual plot device of never fully seeing O'Higgins, Molloy and Lawlor instead allow the viewer's imagination to create their vision of the story's protagonist. The storytelling takes a wonderfully imagistic and sensory turn, told through the voices of Denise Gough and Alan Howley. Though they portray themselves as "willing but non-professional actors," their performances serve as the glue that holds the audience's attention and guides them through the storyline.

The cinematography contributes immaculately to the overall storytelling. Jose Miguel Jimenez's portrayal of Chile's rugged landscapes, Ireland’s valleys, and the intersections of modern life with a visual narrative juxtaposes the documentary's verbal narrative, reinforcing the experimental nature of the film. A meditative contemplation on the themes of identity, migration, and colonialism emerges through these intricate visual narratives that supplement the various stages of the journey of Ambrosio O’Higgins.

Further Beyond unravels the historical background and bedside reportage to the audience. It largely follows a docudrama form combined with modernist avant-garde and found images, which aim to give the audience a feel of the relationship connecting Lima, Dublin, and Sligo.

The film also diverts from its main narrative to various exploratory detours. It includes a diversion to delve into a family's migration story and another to reflect on the science of recreating someone’s voice, subtly pulling the viewers all the more into the intricacies of the plot. Molloy and Lawlor brilliantly manage to weave these seemingly unrelated narratives together into a cohesive whole, maintaining intrigue, and ensuring the viewer's cognitive engagement.

Not only do these detours create resonance with the main plot, but they also successfully bring to the surface critical discussions about multiple themes. From the nature and methods of historical and biographical documentation, the impacts of displacement and migration, to commentary on the constructs of cinema itself, these tangents stretch the narrative 'further beyond' its central story into wider realms of understanding and reflection.

The film further tackles the themes of displacement, exile, travel, and journey both metaphorically and literally. Not only does it present the historical facts of O'Higgins' life but also other philosophical perspectives on these issues. Consequently, the movie emerges as an exploratory piece into the inevitable separation from one's roots and the socio-political implications of these movements on the individual and society.

The unique narrative style, provoking themes, and the uncanny blending of reality and recreation make Further Beyond an innovative film that challenges preconceived notions of storytelling. Told with profound intimacy yet encompassing grand themes, it serves as a thought-provoking rumination on the shifting dynamics of lives, identities, and histories shaped by migration. Its experimental nature isn't limited to aesthetics; it goes all the way into the structure and the themes, making the film stand apart in contemporary cinema for its bold, thought-provoking narrative construct.

In conclusion, Further Beyond's cinematic and thematic brilliance lies in its unusual narrative style, captivating performances, and substantial exploration of themes. It serves as a useful watch for those who appreciate alternative forms of storytelling and thought-provoking cinema. The film invites the audiences to immerse themselves, contemplate, and travel through the intertwined tales of life, identity, and displacements, making this watching experience truly memorable.