Pelican
Pelican

Movie spotlight

Pelican

2022
Movie
87 min
Croatian

Josip is a goalkeeper. Known and loved among football fans. As a result of an accident, the security network of social and material assurance suddenly disappears from around the goalkeeper. Josip falls on a skiing trip and now has to undergo rehabilitation at a sanatorium. In this world filled with tedious and meaningless chatter, Josip assumes the role of an outside observer.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes65%
Metacritic58/100
Google Users78%
Director: Brendan MalyGenres: Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A man struggling with isolation and paranoia finds himself in a deepening psychological spiral after adopting a stray pelican. As his grip on reality loosens, the bird becomes both a companion and a tormentor, blurring the lines between his internal struggles and external threats.

Critical Reception

Pelican was met with mixed reviews from critics, who were divided on its slow-burn pacing and ambiguous narrative. However, audiences often praised its atmospheric tension and the lead actor's committed performance, appreciating its unconventional approach to psychological horror.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and strong lead performance.

  • Criticized for its deliberate pacing and occasional lack of clarity.

  • Hailed as an ambitious indie thriller with a unique premise.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's effectiveness in building suspense and the compelling portrayal of mental deterioration. Some viewers found the ending unsatisfying due to its open-ended nature, but many appreciated the film's artistic merit and thought-provoking themes.

Fun Fact

The director, Brendan Maly, also stars as the lead actor and wrote the screenplay, demonstrating a singular vision for the project.

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