Rumours: A Surreal Satire of Power in a Chaotic Era

Published: May 12, 2025
Source: CinemaScope International

What happens when world leaders get lost in a foggy forest, confronted by walking bog bodies and a giant brain? That’s the bizarre premise of Rumours (2024), a political satire horror-comedy directed by the Canadian trio of Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, and Galen Johnson. Premiering at the 77th Cannes Film Festival and hitting theaters in October 2024, Rumours is a surreal journey into the ineptitude of global elites, elevated by a stellar cast including Cate Blanchett, Charles Dance, and Roy Dupuis.

Plot: World Leaders in a Nightmarish Farce

Rumours is set at a fictional G7 summit, where seven leaders of the world’s wealthiest democracies (Germany, the U.S., Canada, France, the U.K., Italy, and Japan) gather to draft a joint statement on an unspecified global crisis. However, the meeting spirals into chaos when they become stranded in a misty forest, encountering eerie phenomena: dense fog, ancient bog bodies that burst into bizarre behavior, and a mysterious giant brain. As they struggle to find their way out, the leaders reveal personal desires, petty rivalries, and an utter inability to address the crisis.

The film eschews a linear narrative, embracing surrealism to lampoon global politics’ bureaucracy and ineffectiveness. From a clandestine romance between the German Chancellor (Cate Blanchett) and the Canadian Prime Minister (Roy Dupuis) to absurd moments like the U.S. President (Charles Dance) demanding naps, Rumours transforms these leaders into figures both pitiable and laughable.

Cast and Production

Rumours boasts an impressive ensemble, led by Cate Blanchett as Hilda Ortmann, the German Chancellor, delivering a performance that’s both seductive and comedic with an intentionally exaggerated German accent. Roy Dupuis shines as Maxime Laplace, the Canadian Prime Minister, bringing fervor and memorable lines like, “I love strong women, I love them too much!” Charles Dance, with his signature aristocratic gravitas, plays a distracted yet magnetic U.S. President. Supporting roles by Denis Ménochet (France), Nikki Amuka-Bird (U.K.), Rolando Ravello (Italy), and Takehiro Hira (Japan) contribute to a comedic chorus of incompetence.

Directed by Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, and Galen Johnson—known for experimental works like The Forbidden Room—Rumours carries their signature style: surreal visuals blending silent film aesthetics with modern melodrama. Shot in Hungary, the film’s cinematography by Stefan Ciupek creates a haunting yet beautiful atmosphere. The score, composed by Kristian Eidnes Andersen, balances drama and humor, amplifying the story’s oddity.

Produced by Buffalo Gal Pictures, Maze Pictures, and Thin Stuff Productions, Rumours is a Canada-Germany-U.S. collaboration, reflecting the international spirit of its narrative.

Style and Themes

Rumours is quintessential Guy Maddin, employing vibrant visuals, unconventional camera angles, and a mix of dark humor and light horror to craft a unique experience. Departing from Maddin’s usual black-and-white silent film homage, the movie embraces vivid colors while retaining its dreamlike quirkiness.

Thematically, Rumours skewers the impotence of world leaders in the face of crises, from climate change to geopolitical conflicts. Rather than delivering a specific message, it exposes the absurdity of those in power, preoccupied with press statements and petty squabbles. As The New York Times noted, Rumours is “by turns witty, frightening, and wholly berserk.”

Reception and Impact

Rumours has received positive but polarizing feedback from critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 75% approval rating from 122 reviews, praised for “turning the adults in the room into helpless children” and creating “a sophisticated riot from a simple premise.” Metacritic scores it 69/100 based on 31 critics, indicating “generally favorable reviews.” However, on IMDb, it earns a modest 5.0/10, reflecting its inaccessibility to mainstream audiences.

Critics lauded its creativity and cast, particularly Blanchett, though some felt it lacked focus. Roger Ebert called it “clever and consistently entertaining” but noted it “lacks the passion and creative vitality” of Maddin’s earlier work. On X, a post by @Muertomega (May 8, 2025) praised its “brilliant humor and bold visuals” but felt the ensemble was underutilized.

The film earned nominations at the 2024 Toronto Film Critics Association Awards for Outstanding Canadian Film and Outstanding Performance (Roy Dupuis), underscoring its impact in independent cinema.

Release Details and Accessibility

Rumours premiered out of competition at Cannes on May 18, 2024, and began a limited theatrical run in the U.S. on October 18, 2024, via Bleecker Street. It was released on DVD and Blu-ray on January 21, 2025, and became available on Paramount+ in March 2025. With a 1-hour-44-minute runtime and an R rating (for some sexual content and mild violence), Rumours appeals to fans of experimental and satirical cinema.

Viewers can access it on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, or Google TV in select regions, depending on streaming rights. The film grossed approximately $697,673 globally, reflecting its niche release.

Conclusion

Rumours is a singular horror-comedy, blending Guy Maddin’s eccentricity with sharp political satire. While its surreal chaos may not resonate with everyone, it’s a memorable experience thanks to its talented cast and unparalleled style. As Los Angeles Times put it, Rumours could “kick off a new era of entertainment that laughs in the face of fear.” It’s a perfect pick for those craving an offbeat perspective on power and ineptitude in the modern world.

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