K-12 (Dir: Melanie Martinez, 2019).
The movie debut of singer Melanie Martinez, released to coincide with her album of the same name.
Written, directed and starring Melanie Martinez as Cry Baby, student at authoritarian school K-12. With best friend Angelita (Emma Harvey) she plots to bring down the school and bring an end to the oppression.
The plot of K-12 follows on from and elaborates on the themes of Martinez’s previous album Cry Baby. However, prior knowledge of Cry Baby is not essential, as the movie is best enjoyed for its music and stunning visuals in what is, essentially, a long form music video. Albeit one with an ambitious cinematic grandeur.
With a distinctive colour palette utilising mostly pink and pastel shades, it has an arresting otherworldly quality, at times recalling the work of Terry Gilliam and the high kitsch of John Waters.
There is a certain brutal beauty to Martinez’s music which she has matched perfectly to the visuals. The dystopian fantasy addresses issues such as bullying and acceptance, but always in tuneful fashion!
As you might expect from Martinez the movie is sweary and creepy and not recommended for those of a sensitive nature. With its language, drug taking and no nips nudity, it is definitely not one to show the kids!
In truth, K-12 is a bit of an acquired taste and is probably limited largely to Melanie Martinez’s fan base. But it is artfully produced. Recommended especially to fans of Martinez but also to open minded movie lovers in the mood for an off kilter fantasy musical.
K-12 is available to steam on Melanie Martinez’s official YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/2HtaIvb61Uk
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