Rumours
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)
Cate Blanchett plays Hilda Ortmann, the German Chancellor, who is joined in the German town of Dankerode by the leaders of the other G7 nations: the USA, the UK, France, Italy, Japan and Canada. They are gathered to work together on a communique in response to a global crisis. And, of course, this communique needs to be suitably vague, committing these world leaders to as little as possible. As the talks progress, historical regrets, blatant self-interest, and romantic tension emerge. And then there are the Iron Age human corpses known as bog bodies, which are eerily well-preserved in clay, somehow reanimating and stalking the world leaders through the dense fog-filled forest.
The concept of dropping the G7 world leaders in a forest of fog during an apparent apocalypse is a fantastic premise, but it’s undercut by odd moments that cause more confusion than comedic payoff. However, that doesn’t entirely distract from the more vital comedic moments, and there’s still some fun during Rumours. It’s satirical, surreal and strange, initially riffing on the melodramatic soap opera of politics and the hollow semantic statements they conjure up at shallow summits. However, co-director and writer Evan Johnson then injects an absurdist apocalypse involving reanimated composes that adds further confusion to the “crisis” that caused the leaders to convene in the first place, to mixed results and audience confusion.
The satire may be ultimately shallow and pretty toothless, but it’s the melodramatic soap opera and strange surrealist setting that allows the cast to shine. They are obviously having a blast, especially Roy Dupois as the overly emotional Canadian Prime Minister, but there are no weak links in the ensemble with fantastic work from Cate Blanchett, Charles Dance, and more. They all function as fun caricatures and amalgamations of various Presidents and Prime Ministers from recent history as well as perpetuating relevant cultural stereotypes. Whilst the script often takes cheap shots, they do frequently land - and if anything it’ll make you sympathise for Canada even more than you may already. The absurdist elements are the most hit-and-miss element of the film, and it certainly won’t be for everyone.
Reel Dialogue: What should we expect from our leaders
Rumours is not just a film, it's a very light-hearted jab at the political leaders who seek to steer the massive ships they are elected to command. It doesn't just mock them; it satirises them and even belittles them for the audience’s amusement (and bemusement). It astutely shows that most political leaders are just simple human beings - not immune from folly, stupidity, idiocy, or mistakes. But capable leaders should be credited for their strengths and merits.
The Bible clearly sets standards for leaders and what people should expect from them. It also outlines how to follow, listen to, respect, and obey them. Sometimes, it’s easier to criticise and point out all the flaws in our leaders. It can be a truly thankless task. But the Bible exhorts us to support them and, for those who are leading well, to follow them and learn from them.
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. - Hebrews 13:7
