Film #6 — 2/3 Wildcard Films; 1/6 Countries (Czechoslovakia); 5/9 Decades
By C. Ramsay
Part of the Czechoslovak New Wave, Valerie and Her Week of Wonders is a coming-of-age surrealist and folkloric tale that’s as optimistic as it is terrifying. The titular character is a 13-year-old girl still mesmerized by the allure of childhood when she’s suddenly thrown into a medley of situations well beyond her years, desperately seeking to surface from beneath the weight of her nightmarish reverie. Throughout her days she seeks to reassess her connection to herself, her friends and family, her love interests and those she realizes are preying on her, her religion, and above all, her sexuality, but in order to apply herself to doing so she must also learn to combat the influence and forces outside of her control.
The opening credits are stylized to convey innocence, using white title cards and constant fades to white, script font, and choir music as a backdrop to the activities that Valerie enjoys, which mostly consist of resting, walking, swimming, and spending time with animals. Her room serves as a haven of purity, a refuge presented in the lightness of almost entirely white decor, free of clutter and all of the people Valerie is otherwise incessantly harassed by. The world outside this space is not wholly unfamiliar or uninviting, though. There’s beauty and lightness everywhere, showcased through gorgeous shot composition that makes everything look and feel dreamlike. Much of the film is slightly overexposed which, especially for things like water and dew, brings out the iridescence on a lot of the small details in frame, adding naturally dazzling accents that Valerie is frequently drawn to. In all areas there is community for Valerie to be a part of and people willing to give her support when she needs it. What troubles her in this new stage of life is that she also begins to witness those willing to exploit the individuals in her community and their collectivity.
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