Two women live isolated from the world on their farm in Bucolic. 65-year-old Danusia and her 35-year-old daughter Basia live in isolation from the rest of the world on their farm on the outskirts of a village in central Poland. Danusia and Basia live in turn with rhythm and laws of nature, among animals and the spirits of the dead.
Bucolic is an observational documentary by filmmaker Karol Palka, who follows life on this isolated farm over the course of a year. The film begins in a very haunting fashion, as Danusia and Basia’s work on the farm is accompanied by the song “Specially for You” by Ukrainian folk-rock band DakhaBrakha. This eases you into the world of these women, who routinely claim to communicate with spirits.
Probably the best description of Bucolic is that it is an observational look at isolated rural life and superstition from the point of view of two women, who have little contact with the outside world. Probably the most interesting aspect of Bucolic is the film’s use of music, whether be the aforementioned song by DakhaBrakha, which bookends the film, or the score by the Polish electronica artist We Will Fail, which often clashes with the visuals. Overall, Bucolic is an interesting observational documentary, with a vague folk-horror feel to it.
Trailer for Bucolic – Hot Docs 2022
