Review: Experimental Film

5 stars. Overjoyed to report that my thirst for reading is back after a short break due to first trimester illness and blues (this happened last time too). I missed my Kindle, I missed the escape, and I missed the bone deep satisfaction earned from an immersive story. But I just couldn't read. I wasn't sure if I'd have to give up on this book, honestly, because certain things get unfortunately associated with nausea when you're pregnant, but I was really determined with this one - I sensed something in it, and persevered - I'm so glad I did.

Because it ended up saving me during a particularly difficult week - chasing around a toddler on a beach trip - like, truly engulfing me after the meltdowns and the overstimulation and the stressful World Cup games took their toll. I was thrilled to read even a few pages here and there, stolen in between tantrums and during naps. I absolutely adored Lois' voice and I really rooted for her. She's an incredibly strong and real-feeling protagonist.

I'm getting ahead of myself. Experimental Film is about an out-of-work film critic/former film professor who stumbles upon the vivid work of one of Canada's original filmmakers, a woman who, after the disappearance of her son, also disappears under mysterious circumstances. Lois receives a grant to investigate, but her research leads her down a strange and apparently dangerous path for her family. 

I have seen other reviews criticize this book for a couple of things: for being derivative of certain works - American Gods is one, Night Film is another; for the infodump/detailed exposition about the Canadian film industry; for the slow first half. And I get it, I really do. But I happened to love both AG and NF, and recognized the info dumping as an intentional piece of Lois' characterization. I would argue that this book is in fact large part character study, which makes it even crazier and more interesting when Lois has to channel both her best and worst instincts during the final climax. 

It's not a book for everyone. But I absolutely loved the central mystery here, as well as the primary antagonist, and the way everything unfolded. I appreciated Simon's strength and support as a partner. I understood Lois' struggles as a parent of a child on the spectrum. I gobbled up the descriptions of the films, the threads of dark mythology and folk horror, and the spooky moments. The historical lore is truly disturbing here and I kind of wanted more. 

Idk. This one felt really, really special. I feel like I have so much more to say, but I want to say it to someone who's read it - there's a lot to discuss. And while we’re listing things we want, an illustrated and/or annotated version would be very welcome, thanks very much :)

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