’Topology of Sirens’ review: Dir. Jonathan Davies [Fantasia]

Jonathan Davies has, over the last ten years, been building a career in the film industry with music departments. Previous credits include the television series Fargo, and the 2016 Nicholas Sparks adaptation The Choice. Now Davies transitions into the roles of director and co-writer for his feature debut, Topology of Sirens.

Keeping with the musical theme, Topology of Sirens is a film that plays out almost entirely to music. What dialogue there is, is little, and just enough to keep the narrative in a state of forward motion. This makes the ideal viewer for the piece, someone with patience and a taste for the more avant-garde interpretation of film and story. Davies has a clear passion for music and its ability to tell a story; he does exactly that here. Even the plot itself revolves around musical instruments making Topology of Sirens a love letter to aural delights both on and within the screen. 

Davies has dreamt up some beautiful imagery. The whole film is a love letter to nature. Almost every scene features a plant, flower, or tree in some respect and it channels a down to Earth, somewhat hippy vibe. Everything on screen is all sunshine and nature, mixed with greens, blues, and the occasional pillarbox red to make things pop. The visuals have been thought through and deliberately constructed to present the perfect companions for the music. Both elements combine to create the kind of film that feels like a lazy Sunday afternoon. 

Gentle and serene, Topology of Sirens presents a dialogue-light mystery that is more a journey of discovery for the ears than a gripping edge-of-your-seat narrative. It’s a bold way to tell a story and certainly one that will alienate a strong portion of the public. Those that are accepting of Davies’ work, and judge it on its own merits, will find plenty to mesmerise them. 

Topology of Sirens was reviewed at Fantasia International Film Festival.