Simon Pegg is dabbling back into the paranormal in his latest film Nandor Fodor And The Talking Mongoose. Pegg takes on the role of Fodor himself – a Hungarian who was a leading researcher of Parapsychology in the 1930s and 40s. One of Fodor’s greatest career achievements was writing the Encyclopedia of Psychic Science. Fodor began to shift to a more psychoanalytic view of paranormal and psychic phenomena. It was around this time when Fodor got wind of Gef (voiced by Neil Gaiman).
Dr. Harry Price (Christopher Lloyd), a psychic researcher and colleague of Fodor, reaches out to let him know about Gef. The Irvings, a prominent family who lived at Cashen’s Gap on the Isle of Man, claim that a talking mongoose named Gef lives at their home. After some understandable skepticism, Fodor and his assistant Anne (Minnie Driver), decide to venture out in an attempt to meet Gef. Mr. Irving (Tim Downie), Mrs. Irving (Ruth Connell), daughter Voirrey (Jessica Balmer), and hand Errol (Gary Beadle) welcome Fodor and Anne to Cashen’s Gap. Pushing aside his doubt and suspicions, Fodor prepares to meet the infamous Gef – if Gef is up to it of course.
Adam Sigal both wrote and directed Nandor Fodor And The Talking Mongoose. This is typical for him as he has both penned and directed a majority of the projects he has been a part of. Sigal’s script is incredibly witty and thought provoking. The humor is at times subtle, but still hilarious. The film has a very limited cast, but they shine in bringing Sigal’s script to life. Driver and Pegg stand out and their onscreen chemistry is truly delightful. Everyone seemed to be really enjoying themselves and that translated onscreen. Pegg is fantastic and drives the film forward. His mannerisms and facial expressions land perfectly and truly add to scenes throughout the film.
Sigal creates an enjoyable atmosphere in Nandor Fodor And The Talking Mongoose. The film is full of interesting framing and shot selection. In addition, Sigal’s use of light and smoke to highlight characters adds to the mystic aura of the source material. The perfectly executed flashbacks and cutscenes provide a touch of uniqueness and character to the film. Nandor Fodor And The Talking Mongoose will not be for everyone. It is heavily dialogue driven which may not resonate with some. In a world with more blockbusters and sequels than ever, Nandor Fodor And The Talking Mongoose is a breath of fresh air. History is full of absurd and off-the-wall stories. It was a pleasure to see one come to light in Nandor Fodor And The Talking Mongoose.
Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose is in theaters now.