On Sept. 18 at 7 p.m., the film “Hundreds of Beavers” was screened in the Peeler Auditorium. Film and Media Arts Professor Jordan Sjol excitedly presented the film. The introduction was short and sweet, as everyone was eager to watch the movie. Sjol mainly went into the background of this film, explaining the who, when and where.
“Hundreds of Beavers” was released in 2022. Directed by Mike Cheslik, the movie was filmed during the pandemic, resulting in a small cast. The synopsis from their website says, “Jean Kayak finds himself stranded in a surreal winter landscape with nothing but his dim wits to guide him. He develops increasingly complex traps in order to win the hand of a mischievous lover.” That’s the simplest explanation possible for this insane movie, which feels more like a “Looney Toons” short than a film.
It may be better to go into the film completely blind, as it is nearly impossible to describe in one article. It is a slapstick, surreal, mildly dark comedy that uses animal costumes and puppets—all without dialogue. Despite its absence of dialogue, the movie is far from silent. It frequently uses sound effects to heighten comedic moments. The film is in black and white, something not commonly seen nowadays. During the screening, multiple audience members were bewildered yet amused, laughing at the absurdity of the film.
“Hundreds of Beavers” is available for streaming on Kanopy. DePauw students and library cardholders get access to a large selection of movies, many of which are in the indie genre. For those in need of something lighthearted, this film is a solid option. It is engaging, strange and hilarious—the perfect way to unwind after a long week.
Various film professors host monthly film screenings in Peeler Auditorium. Last month, they presented “Decision to Leave,” a Korean drama about a detective falling in love with the suspect in a murder. The next film screening will be on Oct. 22. The film currently planned for that date is “Spermworld,” an American documentary about Facebook sperm donors.
