The Curse of Willow Song is a film that deals with some very real issues, such as homelessness, casual racism, and the relentless struggle to rise above a system seemingly designed to thwart one’s every effort. It never turns away from the uncomfortable moments and there are many of those. It’s almost a test of how much someone can handle being pushed farther and farther down, as well as how long the audience can deal with watching hurtle after hurtle being thrown at Willow.
Ex-con Willow is trying to turn her life around. Though the deck seems to be stacked against her from the jump. While she stays at a halfway house and is friends with recovering addict, she works as a welder. When that job falls through and she loses her spot to stay, things spiral out of control. With a condescending parole officer and ongoing racism and sexism, it becomes harder to come out on top. Something finally snaps and changes Willows life forever.
The performances in the film are truly exceptional, executed in a manner that makes the characters feel remarkably genuine. Interestingly, the cast is designed in such a way that you’ll find yourself developing a strong dislike for most of the characters, and this is a deliberate choice made by the filmmakers. However, amid this sea of complex and often unsympathetic characters, there shines a brilliant standout: Willow Song, portrayed by the incredibly talented Valerie Tian. She shoulders the weight of this pivotal character with remarkable ease, bringing a depth and authenticity to Willow that is both captivating and moving.
The Curse of Willow Song undoubtedly boasts numerous strengths, making it a noteworthy cinematic experience. However, it’s important to acknowledge that, like many films, it isn’t without its imperfections. Two areas where the film could benefit from improvement are in its editing and pacing, which are crucial aspects of storytelling, especially in a relatively compact runtime of just 90 minutes. The movie might appear to rush through key scenes or linger too long on less pivotal elements while also making jarring cuts that can lead to some confusion about what the story is ultimately about.
The Curse of Willow Song is a commendable effort in the realm of filmmaking. Its choice to employ black and white cinematography and tackle pressing societal issues is laudable. While it may not achieve greatness due to occasional pacing issues and rough editing, it remains an important and thought-provoking piece of cinema that dares to explore vital topics and challenge viewers to reflect on the imperfections within our justice system. There is also tonal whiplash in the last 10 minutes that feels like a completely different film.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for non-stop action or tons of over-top gore, you would do better to look somewhere else. But if you want a more grounded and thought-provoking film that is a slow burn, The Curse of Willow Song could be just what you’re looking for.
