Is this a historical or hysterical tale? Or is it just bizarre? A Parapsychologist sets out on a mysterious adventure to determine if reports of a vociferous Mongoose can really talk. It was based on actual events reported all over the London papers in 1935.
This film becomes somewhat of a psychological detective story with few curious clues. Simon Pegg is known for injecting a bit of comedy in his roles as he does here. He takes on a strange hybrid Hungarian-American-British accent, as the famous Dr. Nandor Fodor, who lived in all three countries. He is a London Parapsychologist whose interest is piqued and decides to go to the Isle of Mann to uncover the truth and converse with a creature who may actually be able to talk!
The mongoose, known as Gef (pronounced Jeff), has never been seen, but the Irving family on Dalby Mountain believes Gef is real and knows where he hangs out. Fodor first discusses the possibility of going to check it out for himself with paranormal rival and drinking buddy, Dr. Harry Price (Christopher Lloyd). Price failed in his own investigation but encourages Fodor to find out if it’s just a perpetuation of one family’s imagination, a ruse, or improbably, converse with a talking Mongoose.
Fodor surprisingly asks his pretty and proper younger assistant, Anne (Minnie Driver), to come along by train then by boat. She jumps at the chance to assist on his investigation. Driver is quiet but smart, picking up on every detail they come across. She’s an astute observer, but shy about interjecting so as not to create tension by upstaging Fodor.
Cinematographer, Sara Deane successfully makes the film appears slightly sepia toned harkening back to lighting scenes from the 1930’s. And someone always seems to be smoking, talking though clouds while pondering what they’re going to do next.
Mongoose Gef lives on a rural farm with his caretakers, the Irving family. Anne befriends one of the Irvings, a pretty young woman named Voirrey (Jessica Balmer) who just happens to have a special talent, ventriloquism, which raises eyebrows. Is she Gef’s voice?
Director Adam Sigal keeps us on edge throughout the film continually leading us to where we might get a glimpse of Gef and hear the animal engage in conversation. The Mongoose is voiced with a piercing shrill-like quality, by novelist, comic book author and screenwriter, Neil Gaiman. Among his works are the novels “Coraline,” and “Good Omens.”
The rest of the film reveals mysterious hints and possible reasons for the family’s motivation suggesting conversation with the quirky, elusive Gef. Everyone is suspect. They only intimate interaction building up to a trek to a cave for a possible revelation, and another in a barn where Gef supposedly likes to hang out.
Pegg, as Fodor, has the biggest character arc. Already a functioning alcoholic, Fodor gets so obsessed with Gef, he over imbibes and gets into trouble. Pegg is funny as a seriously confused, egomaniacal narcissist when he’s on the sauce. He is just dying for the evidence to give him the glory of discovery or proof or quackery.
Director Adam Sigal draws you into the investigation wanting to know if Gef is really talkative and omniscient. Pegg and Driver play well together in this charming, but wacky absurd period piece about truth which is tested till the very end credits. That’s when each cast member comes out of character to show their true feelings about their director. Will Gef have anything to say?
Saban Films 1 hour 36 minutes. PG-13
