Photo by The Uncompromising Vision of Joel Potrykus: A Review of Vulcanizadora
As I delved into the world of Joel Potrykus, I couldn’t help but be drawn to his unflinching commitment to showcasing the darker aspects of human nature. His latest film, Vulcanizadora, is a testament to this unwavering dedication, presenting a bleak and uncompromising vision that is both captivating and unsettling.
The Isolation of the Wilderness
The film follows the journey of two friends, Marty Jackitansky and Derek Skiba, as they navigate the treacherous landscape of their own making. Potrykus’s mastery of character development is on full display, as he expertly captures the loneliness, regret, and depression that define these troubled souls. The performances by Josh Burge and Joel Potrykus himself are nothing short of exceptional, bringing a level of authenticity to the characters that is both haunting and mesmerizing.
“I understand why the characters were so unlikable, as the film did effectively examine their isolation and the struggle to do any good in the wake of their emptiness.”
However, it’s this very same authenticity that makes the film’s first half a challenging watch. The characters’ annoying tendencies and self-destructive behavior can be off-putting, making it difficult to invest in their stories. But it’s in the second half that the film truly comes alive, exhibiting a wider range of humanity that is both poignant and thought-provoking.
The Weight of Emptiness
Vulcanizadora is a film that benefits from going in blind, as the impact of its unflinching portrayal of humanity hits harder when you’re not expecting it. While it may not be to everyone’s taste, Potrykus’s grasp of his characters is impeccable, and I can easily picture a fanbase that would be moved by this film. Perhaps, with further exploration of his work, I’ll come to appreciate Vulcanizadora more. For now, it’s a film that I respect more than I like.
