Daisies (1966)
★★½ — Daisies (1966)
Daisies (1966) is a whirlwind of anarchic playfulness. A Czech New Wave oddity that throws logic, decorum, and narrative coherence out the window in favour of pure, chaotic joy. Directed by Věra Chytilová, it follows two young women, as they giggle, prank, dismantle furniture, and (most famously) devour lavish meals with gleeful abandon. The film isn’t meant to be “understood” in a traditional sense; it’s a visual protest against conformity, consumerism, and the very idea that women must behave. In that spirit, it’s bold, liberating, and visually inventive. Shot in striking black-and-white and saturated colour sequences, with rapid cuts, collage-like editing, and a jazzy, eclectic soundtrack, Daisies feels like a fever dream choreographed by mischievous fairies who’ve stumbled into the human world and decided to break everything just for fun. There’s undeniable energy here, and moments of genuine wit, especially in its subversion of gender roles and social expectations. But for all its popping visuals and rebellious charm, the film often veers into “weird for weird’s sake.” Without emotional stakes, character depth, or even a loose plot thread to follow, it becomes more an aesthetic experience than a cinematic one. What starts as refreshing soon feels repetitive, and the relentless absurdity can alienate as much as it delights. Daisies is undeniably important (a feminist landmark) but it’s not for everyone. If you revel in surrealism and anti-narrative experimentation, you’ll adore it. If, like me, you crave some grounding beneath the chaos, it may leave you admiring its spirit while checking your watch.
Rating: ★★½ | Year: 1966 | Watched: 2026-04-30
