EO                          4 stars

The movie EO by Polish filmmaker Jerzy Skolimowski from 2022 is very dramatic, highly unusual and not for everyone. It follows the life of a fictional donkey named EO as he moves from one environment involving humans to another, with everything told from the point of view of the donkey. EO is a very obedient and compliant animal who never hurts anyone (with one surprising exception). He encounters people that are kind to him, like the trainer, Kasandra in a circus act who he mourns when they are separated, as well as people who treat him poorly like the owner who ships him to a show horse ranch after going bankrupt. The imaginative aspect of the film is in the unusual cinematography and colorful hues in scenes where the donkey is wandering through the landscape. Some of it made me think of the last scenes of 2001: A Space Odessey. EO’s various encounters seem disconnected from one another, some caused by the humans involved and others just by random events as EO chooses his own route. He often sees other animals in situations that he may be relating to like the show horses in one scene, a wolf who is shot, or other animals in an animal hospital. But there are always people in each place. Some want to take care of him (like an animal doctor) while others are indifferent or would see him suffer (like a group of rowdy football players). There are a few funny moments like when EO knocks over shelves containing show horse trophies. Unfortunately, he will have to face the consequences of his actions. Toward the end there is a surprise appearance by Isabelle Huppert as the stepmother of one of EO’s caregivers. As usual, she gives an especially emotional performance. The movie seems to be mainly about morality as we see how various individuals treat someone who is completely defenseless and at the mercy of them. EO is mainly in Polish and English. It was nominated for Best International film in 2023. The film being highly unusual, you will have to decide whether to see it based on the subject matter and your own tastes.