Sundance 2021 Review: Mayday – “A Fascinating Female-led Drama.”

As Mayday opens, it seems like any other film. Ana (Grace Van Patten) works a job where she gets treated like dirt and is invisible to those around her. As she powers through her life’s mundane aspects, she is hit by a disturbing and sad situation. This is where Mayday takes a turn. 

Shocked and disoriented, Ana runs off and transports to what would seem like a safe place. This dreamlike island is filled with dangers and a never-ending war fought by an army of girls who are also trapped there. 

They teach her the lay of the land and how to protect herself. Soon Ana is aware of the new threats they face each day. As Ana and the girls take down each of their attackers, she realizes she’s not as weak as she once thought. Through each battle, she finds her strength and begins to pull herself out from the dark. 

Mayday is a trip from start to finish. The female-led film screams feminism through every frame, which happens to be my favorite thing about it. You often see movies where girls are beaten down and broken, and it’s a rarity to see them overcome that situation.

Here we see females take on the things that scare them. In Mayday, they conquer those who try to bring them down and help each other tackle their demons. Through Ana’s journey, there is hope. Not only for us as viewers but also the girls on the island with her.  

Mayday focuses on a woman surrounded by pain and darkness. She’s told she has to become someone else to survive. But what Ana learns is that her life means something. And no matter what she’s going through, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  

The meaning behind this fantasy drama is fantastic. Unfortunately, it isn’t very clear at first. You never fully know what is happening. I found myself lost, looking for clues that never came. That being said, I was invested. I was determined to figure out what was happening. And once I did, it was truly a beautiful concept. 

The look of this film is gorgeous. From the rocky beach to the battleship they use as shelter, Mayday has a unique aesthetic that’s just beautiful to look at. 

In conclusion, Mayday celebrates women and their strength. It has stunning visuals and a unique concept. However, it is a bit confusing, and that may turn some people off. But if you stick around, you’ll be left with a fulfilling ending.