Imagine, a new animated film from writer-directors Tyson Yunkaporta and Jack Manning Bancroft, is a chaotically strange adventure that draws on Indigenous perspectives. The film features voice work from Taika Waititi, Yael Stone, and Ian Thorpe, among others.
The story follows teenager Kim (voiced by Yolande Brown), who is pulled into a surreal alternate universe where they meet Jeff (Yunkaporta), a bright-green alien dog. Together, they explore five islands populated by Aboriginal elders and eccentric creations, including a rainbow serpent and an animated version of Taika Waititi.
The script was developed during the pandemic via Indigenous mentoring program AIME's Imagi-Nation TV project, which compiled contributions from over 150 young people. This explains the film's skittish spirit and scattershot structure, as it jumps between deep philosophical discussions and slapstick humour.
Indigenous perspectives are woven throughout the film, sometimes subtly and sometimes strikingly. In one scene, an elder guides the characters through a museum called 'HISTORY 'n' Other Stuff', critiquing how museums traditionally treat Indigenous artefacts. The film's ever-frantic pace, however, often prevents these moments from being fully explored.
While Imagine's chaotic energy is appreciated, the film feels like a car whizzing through amazing environments without slowing down for a proper look. It is a one-of-a-kind production that will likely linger in the memory, though it may leave viewers wanting more depth.
