MQFF REVIEW: Matterhorn (2013, Dir. Diederik Ebbinge)

If you are looking for something a little different, Matterhorn is definitely that. Combining Dutch eccentricity, Calvinist severity and a dash of fabulousness, film maker Diederik Ebbinge's very strange relationship drama skirts issues of physical sexuality for a more, well, queer take on love and affection, which is what it seems and isn't what it seems all at once.

In a small, fundamentally-religious village, Fred (Ton Kas), a stuffy, rule-obsessed widower, takes a mentally deficient vagrant under into his care, attracting the suspicion of dour community. The man, Theo (René van 't Hof), has a knack for animal noises (as well as an unhealthy attachment to the local goat population) and the couple soon start playing gigs at the birthday parties of local children. The more they hang out together, the deeper their bond grows, something that becomes revelatory for all involved.

There's an undeniably absurdist bent to Ebbinge's film but his conviction, along with the conviction of his two leads, sells the premise wholesale. The whole affair is recognisingly ludicrous but never fails to move. In fact, its emotionally expansive climax is one of the most impressive dramatic turnarounds I've experienced onscreen for quite a while.

It's easy to say you'll reevaluate Matterhorn as soon as the credits roll but you're doubtful to come up with a tangibly different reading once you've gone through and unpicked its quirks. Therein lies the film's monolithic success. Even with all the cards on the table, the game doesn't materially change. Lessons have still been learnt, affections still been earned, and love has still, quite possibly, been found.

Matterhorn steps over boundaries with absolute abandon and the journey and the destination are fresh and new and entirely satisfying. This is one you should travel distances to see.

★★★★

Trailer:

Matterhorn screened as part of the 2014 Melbourne Queer Film Festival.