Co-produced between the Netherlands and Latvia, The Book of Everything tells the story of Thomas, a young boy navigating a complex world of religious fervor, an authoritarian father, and burgeoning curiosity.
The film captures the world through Thomas’s eyes. To cope with the strict upbringing of his overly religious father, Thomas often escapes into a fantasy world where he has conversations with Jesus, reminiscent of the imaginary friend dynamic of Taika Waititi‘s 2019 film Jojo Rabbit, suggesting a similar coping mechanism for a child facing difficult realities.
Unfortunately unlike Jojo Rabbit, where the story impressed me with its ingenuity and originality, the attempt to blend Coming-of-Age drama and magical realism feels jarring in The Book of Everything. Admittedly, I am not a big fan of magical realism and often prefer more grounded dramas because I think that the fantasy, as in this case, tends to diminish the story’s impact. Of course exceptions exist, like the Belgian film Toto the Hero, where fantasy and reality blend seamlessly. But sadly, with this film, that’s not the case. Before the first scene of magical realism, I felt deeply moved by Thomas’s story. But, as the story unfolded, I felt less and less attachment to his character.
Yet, when it comes to acting, I have only good things to say about the young protagonist. Brandon River Coene delivers a remarkable performance as Thomas. He conveys many emotions without being overly dramatic, which is impressive for a young actor. It was intriguing to observe how his character moves from passive observer to active questioner in a manner often present in Coming-of-Age stories, only with that surreal twist brought about by the use of magical realism.
The film also includes excellent sound design, intensifying the atmosphere and drawing the viewer into Thomas’s experiences. The score, which features a sad treble performance, matches the film’s religious connotations.
Ultimately, The Book of Everything offers an original take on the Coming-of-Age narrative. Still, its ambitious storytelling doesn’t achieve the emotional resonance of other films in the genre. The film has many redeeming qualities, including its overall visual style, captivating lead, and good sound design. Overall, it is a rewarding — if slightly imperfect — viewing experience.
Trailer
