Kratt – Fantasia Review (3/5)

KRATT is a comedy, fantasy, family horror movie from Estonia. Don’t let that keep you from watching it though. It has a high production value and a very universal coming-of-age story. We screened it at Fantasia 2021. Read our full Kratt movie review here!

KRATT is a comedy, fantasy, family horror movie screening at Fantasia 2021. It’s from Estonia and if you’ve never watched anything from this country, then please know that the production quality is awesome and the story is strong. Sure, the main characters are kids, but they work remarkably well and everything feels very organic and natural.

Yes, despite the fact that the story revolves around a “magical creature” called Kratt which will do whatever its master says. One small problem: You need to buy a soul from the devil to make it work. Now, this might sound a lot darker and creepier than what this movie actually is. It’s mostly a dark comedy with some crazy and bloody moments along the way.

Continue reading our Kratt movie review below – and watch it when you can!

Sauerkraut rocket and pizza made of human flesh

As I said, Kratt has some crazy moments along the way. And yes, these moments do include what I can only describe as a “sauerkraut rocket” and also “human pizza”. You’ll see the details which will no doubt leave a lasting memory. Especially the first one!

It all begins when two siblings are left at grandma’s house during the summer holiday without their smartphones. Grandma (played by Estonian veteran actor Mari Lill) is awesome and continues to be a big part of the movie from start to finish.

Their parents are going to a resort and want their kids to enjoy the summer without their smartphones. This is actually a running gag throughout the movie: Kids have their phones taken away only to constantly see the adults be on their own smartphones!

Overall, there are many cool hints and nudges in terms of political satire. These will be lost on the kids watching Kratt while added an extra layer for adults. In general, the kids are quick to be innovative while the adults are the ones set in their ways. For adults, it’s all about money and power or whatever “cause” they’ve selected to fight for.

Kratt screened at Fantasia 2021

Rasmus Merivoo is the writer and director of Kratt and did a wonderful job. Of course, I am quite biased since I am dreadfully tired of kids’ movies that talk down to kids and seem to have very identical (and boring) styles. This one had quirky and dark humor but the kids were always the ones who tried to think a few steps ahead.

Sometimes in strange ways that weren’t exactly smart or good. But their actions did tend to go a bit further than just their own needs. Well, in due time, anyway.

There are moments in this movie that are definitely not kid-friendly. Especially if you don’t want your kids to know too much about biology. This is a European movie and Europeans aren’t afraid of showing naked bodies in organic and natural ways (meaning in non-sexualized ways).

There’s even a scene that reminded me of the ending of Lars von Trier’s The Kingdom (1994). And that’s all I’m going to say about that. Just be ready for anything and everything at all times. All in good fun and with a tongue-in-cheek social commentary vibe. I enjoyed it!

Kratt premiered in Estonia on July 30, 2021, and screened at Fantasia 2021.

Details

Director: Rasmus Merivoo
Writer: Rasmus Merivoo
Stars: Mari Lill, Nora Merivoo, Harri Merivoo, Elise Tekko, Roland Treima, Ivo Uukkivi