Wes Anderson’s films, like his visual compositions, are polarizing. You either get him or you don’t. Anderson’s latest opus (I do, by the way ;-)) is heading our way and it’s everything we’ve come to expect: Stylised to an eye-watering degree, slyly hilarious and beautifully written and directed.
Set in a fictional American desert town circa 1955, Asteroid City follows a group of youngsters attending a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention. When world-changing events spectacularly disrupt the itinerary, the children are forced to confront their own fears and insecurities.
Some have remarked on the occasional impersonal nature of Anderson’s films, but this is closest in tone, perhaps, to Moonrise Kingdom; embued a genuine sense of warmth and compassion. Yes, it’s self-indulgent and has a prolonged running time, but I refer you to my opening comment: if you’re a fan of Anderson’s work, those are *good* things.
Asteroid City hits UK cinemas on 23rd June.
