The Hippopotamus

The Hippopotamus, a 2017 film based on Stephen Fry's comedic novel of the same name, serves up a tantalizing mix of mystery, satire, drama, and a pinch of supernatural power. The film sways between the genres, never settling on any particular one, crafting a unique experience for viewers. Directed by John Jencks, the movie stars Roger Allam, Tim Charles, Rod Glenn among others, who all deliver performances steeped in dark humor and quick wit, immersing the viewer in a surreal and philosophical journey that questions the essence of miracles, truth, and cynicism.

The Hippopotamus is centered around the protagonist, Ted Wallace (Roger Allam), an exuberantly verbose, alcoholic and disgraced poet. Stripped of his credibility and down on luck after being fired from his job as a theatre critic, he still refuses to relent his cynical view of the world. Allam bestows upon Wallace a crass wit, wrapped in a deliciously British aura of sarcasm and a flair for grandiloquent language, effortlessly portraying the man's fall from grace.

Out of the blue, Wallace’s goddaughter, Jane (Emily Berrington), enlists him for a somewhat unusual mission. His task? To investigate what she believes to be a series of miracles occurring at Swafford Hall, the country mansion of Wallace's old friend, Lord Michael Logan (Matthew Modine). There is an air of ambiguity surrounding these alleged miracles, leading Wallace into a situation he never anticipated. Add in a vibrant cast of eccentric characters residing in Swafford Hall, and the stage is set for a mystery waiting to be unraveled.

The environment of Swafford Hall is indeed a character unto itself, resonating with the aura of the English countryside. The country mansion is both an embodiment of high-class luxury and a playground for odd events and even odder characters, accentuating the suspense and humor of the unfolding plot.

While the movie soars on the wings of Wallace's tongue-in-cheek humor and the mystery at hand, it also takes a deeper dive into the relationships and complex dynamics of the characters residing in Swafford Hall. Each character, from the tormented Lady Logan (Fiona Shaw) to the enigmatic David Logan (Tommy Knight), adds depth to the narrative. The interactions, confrontations, and alliances bring out layers of their personalities, adding to the overall characterization and propelling the plot forward.

Wallace sifts through the complex web of relationships and odd occurrences with a pinch of salt. Alongside this, he is also battling personal demons, especially his vanity and the past, which casts him in a depressing hue. However, his personality emerges as a down-to-earth counterpoint to the heightened world of Swafford Hall, grounding the narrative firmly.

The Hippopotamus moves at a purposefully paced rhythm, giving viewers time to soak in the characters and their dynamics, the beautiful English countryside, and the overall atmosphere of the mystery. The director does a commendable job of recreating Fry's setting for the screenplay, ensuring the humor is not lost even within the darker moments. The film’s dialogue, full of wit, charm, and sharpness, opens up a delightful ride for the audience.

In closing, The Hippopotamus is a smorgasbord of dry wit, complex character dynamics, and an intriguing mystery. Allam's distinguished performance as Ted Wallace gives the film a sharper edge, making it truly standout. As the mysteries unravel in the opulence of Swafford Hall, Wallace takes us deeper into an exploration of truth and reality, providing viewers a deliciously wicked romp through a world where nothing is quite as it seems.

Overall, this British film weaves humor, mystery, and existential musings into its narrative fabric. Along with unforgettable performances and a distinctive storytelling approach, The Hippopotamus is sure to leave its viewers musing well after the credits roll, proving once again that truth is often stranger than fiction.