Kuso

Kuso is a surrealist film that takes viewers on a bizarre, unsettling journey. This experimental horror-comedy, directed by musician Steven Ellison (better known as Flying Lotus), debuted at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. The film stars comedic actor Hannibal Buress, funk legend George Clinton, and British animator David Firth. Kuso isn't the type of movie that one watches for a traditional narrative or to follow a familiar storyline - it's an experience, a sometimes grotesque exploration of the absurd.

Kuso is predominately set in post-apocalyptic Los Angeles, implying that the city has suffered a catastrophic earthquake. The film follows multiple storylines simultaneously, forming a visual anthology that throws viewers into a world of the eccentric, the deranged, and the utterly surreal. Each scene relentlessly introduces new elements and horrifying scenarios, which are bound to test the boundaries of even the most seasoned viewer's stomach. Yet, despite the gut-wrenching visuals, the film also manages to draw laughs from its audience through the sheer absurdity of it all, featuring elements of cringe humor and dark comedy.

Hannibal Buress is known for his dry, observational humor, and in Kuso, his comedic talent manages to shine through the dark canvas of the film. The role he portrays is a deviation from his usual characters, immersing himself completely into the bizarre atmosphere and adding his unique style to the disturbingly comical mix.

In a significant departure from his iconic role as a pioneering musician, George Clinton appears in an acting role that walks a tightrope between shock and humor. His robust and candid acting breathes life into his peculiar and twisted character. His personality allows viewers an anchor in the tumultuous seas of Ellison's horrific and comedic scenarios.

David Firth, however, is right at home in the oddity of Kuso. Known for his animations that combine horror, surreal humor, and psychological themes, Firth contributes significantly to the amalgamation of elements that make up this film. His contribution brings the digital distortion and nightmarish scenes to the screen, stirring a whole range of emotions from revulsion to laughter. His borrowed aesthetics from his infamous animated creations can be seen strewn throughout the film, contributing heavily to its unsettling visuals.

On the musical side, Ellison is not alone in the creation of the film's eclectic soundtrack, which mirrors the chaotic, ever-changing nature of the visual narrative. The movie features a mix of tunes from various artists, including Ellison's alter ego, Flying Lotus. The soundtrack manages to merge dark, ambient beats alongside other genres such as rap, funk, and electronica, creating a sonic experience as diverse, eccentric, and difficult to categorize as the film itself.

Kuso's visuals are unforgettable, with a heavy mix of practical effects and animation coming together to create a sensory assault that plays out like a middle ground between Alejandro Jodorowsky's visions and David Cronenberg's body horror. The film's aesthetics are not for the faint-hearted. They challenge viewers to face their discomforts and fears, provoking reactions and challenging them to continue watching despite the grotesque happenings on-screen.

With all of its eccentric features, Kuso is not a film for everyone. While it is described as horror, comedy and visual anthology, it is far from any traditional sense of these genres. This movie serves as a litmus test for your tolerance of the outrageous while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone. If you're a fan of the eclectic, the experimental, and the truly avant-garde, Kuso delivers a feast for the senses that is unlikely to be forgotten.

In conclusion, Kuso is a cinematic exploration of the absurd, the horrific, and the darkly humorous, melding surreal visuals, grotesque scenarios, and dark comedy into an experience that defies conventional boundary and genre definition. It’s a sensory trip that pushes the envelope of the viewer's comfort and tolerance, providing a unique film-watching experience that is as discomforting as it is fascinating.