By: Mariah Thomas
Photo By Polaris Banks
Mor Cohen and Polaris Banks have broken my brain. With the 1999 release of The Blair Witch Project, my mother fell victim to buying into the found footage of it all. So much so she was shocked and terrified when the cast came out later that year at the MTV Video Music Awards. I have teased her for years about it. All that to say, the film And Her Body Was Never Found got me. Many times watching I questioned if some of the footage I was seeing was real or just a brilliant meta universe written by the couple. Even writing this, I am still unsure. But if it is premiering at SXSW, it has to be fake, right?
And Her Body Was Never Found follows two filmmakers who attempt to shoot a movie while camping. It is a retrospective look at relationships and trust. Much of the commentary was inspired by Mor Cohen and Polaris Banks’ real relationship conflicts. This match of the pair being together in real life adds a layer of emotion. While the arguments taking place are written and inspired by their past, at times it feels so real and as the viewer you are meant to question that. Between beautiful wide angle shots of the hiking scenery to “found” iPhone footage, this is a film meant to showcase a relationship at every angle.
My favorite aspect of this film is how different it is compared to everything else out in the world today. At times I was stressed and worried it was a true experience. It really challenged my perception on what a film is and what it can be. Cohen and Banks also had major roles in creating this film outside of starring in it as Mor co-wrote the movie and helped with the cinematography while Polaris co-worte, directed and edited it. It is a labor of love wrapped up in a bow. To me, it not only shows their love of filmmaking, but also offers a glimpse of their dynamic to work through things. There is a deep understanding that these are two people with a love for creation and pushing the limit to create their art. I definitely intend to be alert and tune into their future projects as this film had moments of true fear and of admiration. This is a movie that will stick with me for a while.
If you are someone who enjoys a film that pushes you mentally, And Her Body Was Never Found is a great watch. It is a very meta film that drags you right into the center of it as you watch this couple on their journey unravel.