Striking, compelling, and wickedly, yet beautifully tormented– words cannot describe the deep layers of intrinsic whimsy found in Elisa in Wonderland, another masterful film by Cléa van der Grijn. From set design to exceptional performances by the brilliant actors, not a single shot is lacking importance nor intrigue.
The main ensemble: Nora Ní Anluain Fay, Hilary Bowen-Walsh, and Senna O’Hara seamlessly weave into the contradictingly tumultuous and romantic atmosphere so intelligently produced by van der Grijn. The integrity of Elisa in Wonderland, is stark and proud, highlighting the true artistry of its cast and crew. Fay’s depiction of the stratified Elisa gorgeously displays her descent into her mind’s decay, balancing hysteria and dissociation perfectly. Combining Fay’s stellar portrayal with that of Bowen-Walsh’s stoic composure, the audience can follow reality and distortion, while still stumbling on the line of both in Elisa’s shoes, fully allowing the viewer to appreciate the writing and cinematography.
There is no way to watch this film and not be fully immersed in the storyline, alluring wallpapers and paintings, and the magnificence of Elisa’s estate. The introduction of the various paintings throughout the film, first as ravishing decorations and then as enablements of Elisa’s illness, is yet another incredibly astute choice by van der Grijn, tying in the idea that one’s surroundings make their reality. The solipsistic aspects of Elisa’s lack of grip on the material around her as she falls deeper into the rabbit hole her mind swallows itself in, cleverly illustrates the fact that all she honestly can say exists, is herself– an isolating realization that, as performed, draws immense sympathy from the audience.
Once again, Cléa van der Grijn and her beyond talented cast and crew have brought to life a stunning world that can only be characterized as wonderful. It goes without saying that Elisa in Wonderland is a must see.
Elisa in Wonderland screens at the 2025 New Jersey International Film Festival on Friday, May 30 – Online for 24 Hours and In-Person at 7PM in Voorhees Hall #105/Rutgers University, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, New Jersey. Elisa in Wonderland director Cléa van der Grijn will be on hand to do a Q+A with the audience at after the in-person screening. For more info and to buy tickets go here.
The 30th annual New Jersey International Film Festival will be taking place between May 30-June 13, 2025. The Festival will be a hybrid one as we will be presenting it online as well as doing select in-person screenings at Rutgers University. All the films will be available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date. VOD start times are at 12 Midnight Eastern USA. Each General Admission Ticket or Festival Pass purchased is good for both the virtual and the in-person when both are offered. Plus, we are very proud to announce that acclaimed singer-songwriter Mike Kovacs will be doing an audio-visual concert on Friday, June 13 at 7PM! The in-person screenings and the Mike Kovacs concert will be held in Voorhees Hall #105/Rutgers University, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ beginning at 5PM or 7PM on their show date. General Admission Ticket=$15 Per Program; Festival All Access Pass=$120; In-Person Only Student Ticket=$10 Per Program.
For more info go here: https://2025newjerseyinternationalfilmfestival.eventive.org/welcome
