“Steal Away” Review: Angourie Rice and Mallori Johnson Lead a Thin Mystical Allegory
In an intriguing yet elusive attempt at storytelling, “Steal Away” unfolds as a mystical allegory led by the talents of Angourie Rice and Mallori Johnson. The film, directed by Clement Virgo, crafts its narrative from Tamara Faith Berger’s adaptation of Karolyn Smardz Frost’s nonfiction novel, “Steal Away Home.” This allegorical tale interweaves themes of race, appropriation, and identity but often leans towards being more interpretive than explicitly engaging. Discover how these elements play out across the film’s unique landscape of emotion and mystery.
Intriguing Premise with a Psychological Twist
“Steal Away” begins with intertitles introducing “two princesses,” setting an expected fairy tale atmosphere for this metaphor-laden film. The story reimagines a historical scenario of an escaped slave and her mistress as complex psychological fiction. While the narrative presents fascinating concepts, its heavy themes tend to resonate more in reflection than during the viewing experience itself.
The film follows Cecile (Mallori Johnson), a refugee from the Congo, as she navigates life with a white family in a strange mansion. Her dynamic relationship with Fanny (Angourie Rice), the naïve daughter of the household, explores contrasts in race and maturity, adding depth to their interactions.
Exploring Duality and Cultural Appropriation
As Fanny begins emulating Cecile — adopting her attire and mannerisms — the plot reflects on films like “Persona” and “Single White Female,” with the added complexity of racial and cultural tensions. Fanny’s adoption of Cecile’s Afro-futuristic fashion serves as a subtle commentary on cultural appropriation. The film allows audiences to interpret these themes without heavy-handed exposition.
Underdeveloped Conflict and Themes
Despite promising beginnings, “Steal Away” struggles to establish a robust psychological conflict between its leads. Cecile’s romantic involvement with the gardener’s son, coveted by Fanny, reduces the narrative to a more simplistic jealousy storyline. This diminishes the initially engaging exploration of weighty themes.
The film’s world-building visually suggests historical and modern realities, potentially set in a mid-20th century European country, the contemporary American South, or a futuristic setting. These elements echo current migration crises and colonial themes, yet “Steal Away” remains non-committal, hinting rather than confronting.
Captivating Performances Amidst Ambiguity
Mallori Johnson’s grounded performance contrasts well with Angourie Rice’s ethereal portrayal, adding depth despite the film’s abstract dialogue. Johnson’s character development keeps viewers engaged, while Fanny’s less dynamic role offers limited scope for Rice’s talent.
In the culmination, “Steal Away” feels unfinished, an amalgam of concepts without a cohesive narrative. Virgo and Berger gesture towards significant themes but shy away from full exploration. By ultimately explaining the film’s metaphors, they undermine its enigmatic allure. However, a lingering mood of unease and dislocation persists, positioning “Steal Away” as a film that, while not entirely satisfying, remains thought-provoking and difficult to dismiss entirely.
