Fans of co-directors Harpo and Lenny Guit and their 2021 film “Mother Schmuckers” are going to gravitate towards their latest, “Heads or Fails.” Featuring a frantic ride through the underbelly of Brussels, this exercise in absurdity leans into its dark comedy elements while pushing the boundaries of good taste. By design, this one is crafted to make the audience uncomfortable, but that’s just the way the Guits like it.
Perpetually unlucky and wildly reckless Armande Pigeon (Maria Cavalier-Bazan) simply can’t stop gambling. She wagers money on just about every aspect of her life, from money to personal relationships. Her existence consists of a chaotic mix of bad decisions and worse luck, especially as she continues to dig herself into a deeper and deeper hole.
The film blends dark comedy with gritty realism, the perfect tone for a character like Armande. She is a scrappy and totally irresponsible hustler who seems to continuously get herself into outlandish situations. The Guits capture this restless, edgy vibe with energetic and chaotic directing style that matches Armande’s unpredictable life.
Cavalier-Bazan is terrific in the role, portraying Armande’s defiance and vulnerability in equal measure. While you might find yourself shaking your head at the things she decides to do (and not do), you can’t help but root for her as she navigates the city’s darker corners while teetering on the edge of collapse. After all, it’s not so easy knowing when to walk away.
What the film does best is combining its offbeat humor with a darker look at the consequences of addiction and recklessness. The film’s loose structure as it jumps from one outlandish scenario to the next feels disorienting, and it’s tough to settle into. There’s a dizzying blend of styles and genres that works to create something unique, but also leaves the final product feeling uneven.
If you’re looking for something different, “Heads or Fails” delivers with a chaotic journey and exploration of life on the edge.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 