“The Psychic Serum” by Martin Sommerdag

“The Psychic Serum” surprised us. Then, having overcome the pleasant impact of an unconventional, courageous and original narrative, we were able to appreciate its narrative qualities.

Despite being a form of experimental storytelling, Martin Sommerdag’s film remains closely linked to the most virtuous principles of classic storytelling. The attention to the story in all its aspects manages to enhance the qualities of a staging that follows the new digital means of expression. The film is in fact built as a vlog and shot entirely with an iPhone 11. The absorption of this new visual form allows Sommerdag to manage the costs of production in a more agile way and to develop a style completely dedicated to the story. The realism of this personal camera that follows our protagonist in his research, allows us to easily immerse ourselves in this anguished and fascinating story. The deeply human and delicate feelings of this film are in fact hidden in an effective atmosphere of tension and restlessness, which at a more superficial level immediately captures us until the end. It is therefore a layered film, which gradually reveals the vastness of its nature and becomes more engaging every minute. Even in its form, the film deepens the scope of his poetics. With “The Psychic Serum” it seems evident to us that Sommerdag has understood the urgencies of the new generations, who choose with these new tools to find the courage and harmony  to face fears, reflections and research.

The result of this courageous directorial choice is a unique film, which, while drawing on different genres and inspirations, finds its own personal identity.
“The Psychic Serum” also seems to us that it has not exhausted its expressive potential and we hope to see it become a feature film, sooner or later. Who knows!