Mayday

Movie Trailer

Release Date
October 1, 2021

Genre
Drama, Fantasy, War

Cast & Crew

• Grace Van Patten as Ana
• Mia Goth as Marsha
• Soko as Gert
• Havana Rose Liu as Bea
• Juliette Lewis as June
• Théodore Pellerin as Dimitri

Director
Karen Cinorre

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Directorial debut in feature films (known for short films and work in experimental theater)

Producer
Karen Cinorre, Jonah Disend, Sam Levy, Lucas Joaquin

Writer
Karen Cinorre

Budget
Estimated $3-5 million

Production Company
Magnolia Pictures, Maven Pictures

Running Time
100 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (for language and some violence)

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Fantasy violence
• Themes of war and survival

Movie Story
“Mayday” is a surreal drama that follows the journey of Ana (Grace Van Patten), a young woman who finds herself transported to a mysterious, dreamlike world after a traumatic event. The world she enters is a parallel reality, where women are warriors locked in an endless battle against men. In this alternate universe, Ana meets Marsha (Mia Goth), the charismatic and enigmatic leader of the group, along with fellow soldiers Gert (Soko) and Bea (Havana Rose Liu).

Marsha and her crew live in a war-torn landscape, communicating via radio transmissions that lure male soldiers to their doom. The women have rejected traditional gender roles, embracing their newfound power and independence in this strange and violent world. As Ana becomes immersed in their cause, she must confront her own inner demons and decide whether to join Marsha’s crusade or find a way back to her reality.

The film explores themes of empowerment, trauma, and the search for identity, using a blend of fantasy and war imagery to create a visually striking and emotionally resonant narrative. As Ana navigates this world of fierce female warriors, she discovers hidden strengths within herself and begins to question the nature of the conflict she’s become a part of.

“Mayday” is a visually evocative film that combines elements of fantasy, drama, and war, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that challenges traditional storytelling conventions. The film’s narrative is open to interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with its symbolism and underlying messages about gender, power, and survival.

Special Effects
“Mayday” relies on a combination of practical effects, stylized cinematography, and striking production design to create its dreamlike atmosphere. The film’s visual effects are used to enhance the surreal quality of the alternate reality Ana enters, with carefully crafted sets and color palettes contributing to the film’s haunting and immersive aesthetic.

Box Office Performance
“Mayday” was released in select theaters and on video on demand (VOD) platforms. It received attention primarily for its unique style and the strong performances of its cast, particularly Grace Van Patten and Mia Goth. The film was well-received in the indie film circuit and praised for its ambitious storytelling and visual creativity, though it did not achieve significant commercial success.

Filming Locations

• Croatia

Notable Quotes

• “You have to be a killer to survive out here.” – Marsha
• “In this place, you can be whatever you want to be.” – Marsha

Behind-the-Scenes
“Mayday” marks Karen Cinorre’s directorial debut in feature films. Cinorre, who has a background in experimental theater and short films, brought a unique vision to the project, combining her interests in fantasy and feminist themes. The film was shot on location in Croatia, utilizing the country’s rugged and picturesque landscapes to create the film’s war-torn world. The production emphasized collaboration among the cast and crew to bring the film’s surreal and symbolic elements to life.

Awards

• Nominated for Best First Feature at the 2021 Venice Film Festival

Final Verdict
“Mayday” is an ambitious and visually stunning film that offers a fresh take on themes of empowerment and survival. While its abstract narrative and unconventional approach may not appeal to all viewers, it stands out for its bold storytelling and strong performances. Grace Van Patten and Mia Goth deliver compelling portrayals of women navigating a world defined by conflict and transformation. “Mayday” is a thought-provoking film that invites reflection on the nature of power, identity, and the choices we make in the face of adversity.

IMDb Rating
4.8/10