You
could see photos of the Abominable Snowman every week in the Weekly World
News and there is still grainy video of him and Bigfoot on A&E and the
History Channel all the time. Nevertheless, a reputable professional photographer
is convinced a clear, unimpeachable shot of a mythical Himalayan monster will jump-start
her stalling career. More than a thousand words, a picture is worth everything
in Chris Chung’s short film Baliko, which screens during the 2019 Asian American International Film Festival.
When
an editor tells Mara her photos are pretty but dull, it stings bitterly.
Resolved to show him and every other obnoxious jerk differently, she becomes
obsessed with the idea of photographing Baliko, a legendary beast that only
shows itself at particular times during the lunar cycle. According to folklore,
his coming demands a sacrifice from local villagers, to atone for their collective
guilt. They do not like talking about him much, even in this day and age.
Whether
he believes or not, Mara’s Bertie Wooster-ish British boyfriend James will
accompany her on the trek. She knew from the start he wouldn’t be much help,
but she is still surprised how much his chatter bothers her. In contrast, their
weathered Sherpa guide hardly says a word. Perhaps that is why he inspires
confidence.
Baliko
is
sort of a survival story, sort of a monster film, and definitely a close cousin
to the vintage tales off irony once seen on shows like Alfred Hitchcock
Presents and Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected. Yet, the frosty
setting is not so very different from Game of Thrones, which notably
featured Baliko’s star and screenwriter, Jessica Henwick. She is also a
Marvel alumnus, having played Coleen Wing in Iron Fist and The
Defenders, so Baliko ought to have major fanboy appeal.
Henwick
is also really terrific as Mara, showing considerable range while completely
upending many of our assumptions. Jonathan Howard’s James might be too much of
a twit for the film’s own good, but Tom Wu (Hundred Eyes from Marco Polo)
is steely as ever as their silent guide.
Some
viewers might guess the film’s twist, but it still has bite because of the shrewdly
clever ways Chung frames the closing scenes. Frankly, this film ought to be a
hot ticket, considering its three primary cast-members have all appeared in
big, moderately large, or minor roles in some of the largest film franchises
going (including Marvel, James Bond, and Godzilla). More importantly, it is
smart and chilling (but maybe not in the way viewers will expect). Very highly
recommended, Baliko screens tomorrow (7/28), as part of the Shorts:
Otherly Worlds program at this year’s AAIFF.