Some people believe in the supernatural, what lies beyond the explanation of science. Fairytales that are told about mythical beings lie heavy in some minds. These people might also believe in past lives and reincarnations. They have walked, or swam, this earth before. Others, however, believe in science. We see the world as it appears in front of us. There are people who do not see the myths and legends. While we may never know which people are right in their thoughts, everybody has the right to their own opinion.
In Sirens Call, Miriam Gossing and Lina Sieckmann take their feature-length debut to mythical lengths. With the help of performance artist and siren Una (Gina Ronning), they dive into merfolk subculture. A mix of documentary, science fiction and drama are blended together as a journey is taken. Una is someone who believes she has been on this planet before, back when the deserts were covered in water. Her past life saw her as a mermaid and since returning, there is very little she can remember. Una’s beliefs are combined with the medium of film to take audiences on this documented journey.
Sirens Call is a strange film to say the least. While documentary elements can clearly be seen, much has been fictionalized as well. Eventually, the viewer’s line between fiction and reality is blurred. Using old merfolk exhibition type items, Gossing and Sieckmann introduce their audience to the lore. Making it feel like a documentary on merfolk, this idea is quickly changed once the film kicks in. The filmmaking technique is there but it quickly becomes overwhelming.
Not everyone in the audience will find it easy to connect with the film. It is, however, inherently clear that Sirens Call is a film about being true to yourself. Today’s society would rather see everyone fit in a box. Una’s tale reminds us that we all have the right to be who we are unapologetically. Forgetting all its faults, Sirens Call truly allows you to reflect on yourself and who you want to be.
There are a number of elements and tropes that overlap and become too incoherent. Once you watch Sirens Call you begin to understand why film synopses may not always be accurate. At first you think you are watching a film about mermaids, this quickly changes. The film changes from your typical documentary into a fictionalized narrative. With what feels like a heavily crafted script, Sirens Call sets down a path the viewer may never have expected.
Not only does the scripted element of the film change its overall feel, but Una’s words do as well. She begins discussing how she has returned to earth to “share wisdom and knowledge”. Una believes that the fate of her people centuries ago is connected to that of the present time. Through a return to harmony with creation, the merfolk have returned in new bodies to help humankind and save them. It becomes less of a film about the mythical beings themselves and more about the state of the planet.
While Sirens Call could have been an intimate and touching project, too much was thrown into the mix to allow the film to have one central idea. In summary it is a combination of an exploration into the self as well as a discussion of the problems in the world, primarily America. As beautiful as it is that these people have found a family in their connection as merfolk, Sirens Call becomes all too much of a fever dream. For those who feel different or as if they do not belong, they may find a way to relate to what they see. However, those of us who think more within the realm of science, we may be lost to some of the meaning.
With the strongest elements coming from the middle of the movie, Sirens Call is a strange exploration of the self and society. With its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in March, it has most recently made it to the UK through the Leeds International Film Festival. Entered into the Fanomenon Feature Film Competition section, the film leads itself into the idea of phenomenon for sure.
