Ebony & Ivory Review – A Surreal Indie Comedy A World Away From McCartney and Wonder
The work of this director, renowned as a quirky understated absurdist style, the movie offers a bizarre stoner comedy that feels reminiscent of a long sketch from an acclaimed comedy duo. Moviegoers might find themselves laughing in a spirit of giving up, finding it hard to believe the repetitive and absurd exchanges between the two performers.
The Setup
Located on the Mull of Kintyre in 1981, the story presents a pop star named Paul using an imitation Liverpool accent. He receives a guest traveling by a small boat over choppy grey waters. This is a sightless Black music legend called Stevie, who oddly seems to see and imitate his host's quirkiest gesture: a playful positive signal.
This pair are played featuring an actor alongside his co-star, two of Hosking’s go-to collaborators.
Bizarre Moments
After sharing a beverage, a strong spirit, and a “doobie-woobie”, their conversations progress like two aliens encountering each other for the first time. Their dynamic changes from suspicion to dislike, then eventually finding an unexpected acceptance. Their connection survives by joint experiences like taking a dip cold waves, dressing up in woolly costumes and making animal sounds, and other weird escapades.
A Musical Inspiration?
Does this odd encounter really lead to the situation where legendary artists to create among the most famous unity-themed pop songs ever recorded? Perhaps. However at no point are viewers shown really talk about the song, experiment with melodies, or draft verses – likely owing to rights issues. Still, there is humor such as Stevie multiple times yells the phrase in his American accent. Pure nonsense remains a unique delight.
