‘The True Beauty of Being Bitten by a Tick’ Review: A DIY Wellness Satire Steeped in Thuddingly Obvious Metaphors

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In “The True Beauty of Being Bitten by a Tick,” I found myself drawn into a unique blend of horror and domestic drama that initially tickled my sense of humor with its tongue-in-cheek charm. Directed by Pete Ohs, who also co-wrote the script with the film’s four leading actors, this ultra-indie SXSW discovery boasts an eccentric cast and a bizarre sound design that made for an exhilarating first half.

However, as the story progresses, it seems to lose its way, much like a character lost in the maze of millennial ennui. The metaphors become increasingly convoluted, and what was once a delightful watch transforms into a labyrinthine journey that leaves me questioning the narrative’s intentions.

In my perspective as a movie critic, I found myself drawn into the heartrending tale of Yvonne (Zoë Chao), who’s grappling with an unexpected personal loss. The intricacies of her sorrow are subtly unfolded through a brief phone conversation, followed by a gradually revealed truth. Seeking solace in the secluded woodland abode of her college friend Camille (Callie Hernandez), Yvonne is met with a pair of unanticipated visitors—Isaac (Jeremy O. Harris), Camille’s real estate agent, and his partner A.J. (James Cusati-Moyer). The trio’s extended stay catapults Yvonne into a whirlwind of well-intentioned interferences, as they navigate the peculiarities of their shared living space, such as odd floor holes that inadvertently offer glimpses into each other’s private conversations. This intriguing setup promises an enthralling exploration of friendship, grief, and human connection.

The couple often shares their positive suggestions, often coupled with dietary tips, but their acting skills make them skillfully walk a fine line between being friendly and potentially deceptive. Behind their smiles, there’s an eagerness that sometimes slips, which Yvonne finds hard to understand, while Camille either doesn’t notice or chooses to ignore it.

This version maintains the original meaning but uses simpler language and a more conversational tone, making it easier for readers to comprehend.

In the midst of Camille’s untimely nostalgia and the emotional ups and downs of A.J. and Isaac, Yvonne’s vacation unexpectedly undergoes a profound change when she gets bitten by a tick, leading to feverish spells and periods of exhaustion and hunger. From this point forward, the movie takes some significant leaps in its narrative structure — an unusual unraveling of events — as well as the apparent reasons for A.J. and Isaac’s visit, and Camille’s eagerness to accommodate them despite her friend appearing to need solitude.

The fairy tale-like setting in this narrative subtly challenges traditional gender roles and biological functions, with a playful nod to contemporary wealthy, gentrifying LGBTQ+ couples. However, its ultimate message can be hard to discern, as it primarily focuses on observation rather than taking a decisive stance. Although the story’s concerns about conservative norms are evident, they rarely intensify in their effect despite taking various twisted forms.

(In this version, I have aimed to maintain the original’s tone and ideas while simplifying and clarifying the language.)

The show stands out particularly in its exaggerated sound effects when Yvonne is served homeopathic gruel or tasty dishes. Loud chewing and slurping sounds dominate the audio, filling the background (these sound clips are incorporated into almost every track, making them akin to the film’s music and narration). Whether Yvonne finds what she eats repulsive or savors it enthusiastically, this transition is humorously portrayed by Chao.

The show uses over-the-top sounds for when Yvonne eats food, either to make it sound disgusting or delicious. These noises are loud and frequent, almost like the main part of the music and dialogue. How Yvonne reacts to the food is made funny by Chao.

As a movie reviewer, I found myself captivated by the raw emotional depth displayed by Yvonne’s grief, which director Ohs masterfully conveys through an unsettling atmosphere. The ambiguity surrounding the setting adds a tantalizing layer of mystery – while Camille appears to hail from New Zealand, the other characters sound North American, leaving us unsure about the exact location of this suburban community. This film seems to exist in its own temporal and spatial dimension, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative.

Unfortunately, despite the movie’s strong points, it struggles to translate them into a compelling plot or themes that resonate deeply. The story is coherent, much like an academic paper, but lacks the emotional impact needed to truly captivate audiences. When Yvonne starts experiencing strange occurrences and suspecting Camille, these elements fail to add any significant narrative or visual weight, leaving the film feeling stagnant instead of building tension.

In conclusion, while there are moments of brilliance in this film, it ultimately falls short due to a lack of development in its central themes and plot points. The potential for an engaging story is certainly present, but it remains unexplored, making “Where We Once Belonged” a fascinating yet underdeveloped cinematic experience.

In its concluding stages, it seldom delivers the necessary depth to make a strong impact as conventional drama or satire. Instead, it appears more like an unrefined improvisation that tentatively explores the realm of ‘odd’ without fully developing or embracing its peculiarities. The narrative threads of the story sometimes hang in limbo until their purpose becomes clear, either through direct explanation or symbolic representation.

In simpler terms, the film’s symbolic meanings might be grasped, but they’re less likely to resonate. Despite the persistent tension created by the actors’ enigmatic performances or long, captivating, sometimes disorienting shots of nature (thanks to Ohs’ own photography), “The True Beauty of Being Bitten by a Tick” gets bogged down by its own grandiosity. Instead of embracing its inherent absurdity, it opts for a somber tone centered on its enigmatic protagonist and lofty themes, yet ironically fails to evoke any deep emotions with them.

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2025-03-08 05:47