Cate Blanchett’s upcoming project looks like a fun political satire mixed with some gore, horror, and lots of social commentary. The Rumors trailer, showcases Cate Blanchett in a role that’s equal parts hilarious and unsettling. Directed by the creative trio of Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, and Galen Johnson, the film is a biting satire on global leadership incompetence, with an ensemble cast including Alicia Vikander and Charles Dance. Set against the backdrop of the G7 summit, the film spins a surreal narrative where the world’s wealthiest democracies struggle to handle a looming crisis, and themselves.
The official plot centers on seven global leaders, who find themselves lost in a misty forest as they attempt to draft a response to a major global crisis. What follows is a mix of political farce, apocalyptic horror, and moments of soap opera-style drama, all delivered with the deadpan wit for which Maddin and the Johnsons are known. As night falls, the leaders are forced to confront not just their surroundings but also their profound incompetence.
Volkswagen-sized AI Brain is the Villain in Rumors
In a particularly bizarre twist, the film features a massive AI brain that becomes a key player in the story. According to Maddin, this brain is “the size of a Volkswagen,” adding a strange and darkly comic element to the already chaotic world of Rumors.
This AI is part of what makes the Rumors Trailer Breakdown so engaging. IndieWire critic David Ehrlich even highlighted the AI as one of the funniest aspects of the film. In his review, Ehrlich describes the feature as “dryly hilarious,” noting that the film’s humor comes from its sharp critique of global leaders’ self-importance.
“The AI chatbot is maybe the most acutely hilarious thing that Maddin and the Johnsons have ever put on screen,” remarked Ehrlich, in his glowing review.
While the movie may have satirical underpinnings, it’s packed with visual and thematic elements that are pure Maddin, the misty woods, surreal settings, and a cinematic style that feels as chaotic as the plot itself.
Behind the Scenes and Production
The creative team behind Rumors is a reunion of sorts for Maddin and the Johnsons, who previously worked together on The Forbidden Room in 2015. The film, which premiered at Cannes and is slated for showings at TIFF and NYFF, has already garnered praise for its unique blend of humor and horror. Blanchett, who also serves as an executive producer alongside Ari Aster and Phyllis Laing, adds a layer of star power to the project, while Roy Dupuis, Nikki Amuka-Bird, and Charles Dance round out the talented cast.
With its mix of political satire and absurdity, Rumors promises to be a standout in the fall lineup of films. Whether it’s the bumbling world leaders, the surreal landscapes, or the outlandish AI brain, there’s plenty to unpack in the Rumors Trailer Breakdown.
As the film inches closer to its October 18 release date through Bleecker Street, audiences can expect a movie that’s not just a commentary on global politics but also a wild ride into the surreal world of Maddin and the Johnsons. Be sure to check out the trailer and get ready for a film that turns political farce into an art form.
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