Black Moon (1975) ◉

: Famous critic Pauline Kael dismissed it as "deadly" and "witless," arguing that Malle was too "sane" a director to successfully execute such a "crazy" film.

Directed by Louis Malle, is a surrealist, avant-garde fantasy that serves as a cinematic daydream. Shot by renowned cinematographer Sven Nykvist, the film follows Lily (played by Cathryn Harrison) as she flees a global conflict—a literal "war of the sexes"—and finds refuge in a remote country estate. A Dystopian "Alice in Wonderland"

: Today, the film is often viewed as a "bizarre artifact" of a utopian cinematic era where filmmakers felt free to experiment without being tethered to traditional results. It is now part of the Criterion Collection, recognized for its unique visual poetry and experimental spirit. Movie of the Month: Black Moon (1975) - Swampflix Black Moon (1975)

: Lily arrives at Le Coual , a bucolic estate in Quercy, France, which functions as a surreal, dystopian sanctuary away from the warring factions of men and women.

: The estate is populated by bizarre inhabitants, including talking animals, oversized engorged beasts, and a "stubby unicorn". : Famous critic Pauline Kael dismissed it as

Upon its release, Black Moon was a "challenging anomaly" that deeply divided critics.

: Lily encounters an elderly woman (Therese Giehse in her final film role) and a pair of unusually close siblings played by Joe Dallesandro and Alexandra Stewart. Themes and Interpretations A Dystopian "Alice in Wonderland" : Today, the

: Critics have interpreted the film as a tale of adolescent transformation, with snakes appearing throughout to symbolize the shedding of skin as Lily moves from childhood toward womanhood.

About The Author

Murjani Rawls

Murjani is the senior writer, editor, and lead critic at Substream Magazine with a decade of expertise focusing on music, film, television, pop culture, and sports. He is also a food and culture reporter for NJ.com/The Star Ledger. Previously, Murjani was the inaugural culture editor at DraftKings Network/Vox Media, staff writer at The Root, and senior writer/editor at The Pop Break. He's also a photographer, podcast producer, and five-time self-published author. His advocacy has been featured in Time Magazine, Poynter, and Axios. He is a member of the Critics Choice Association and WGA East.