The open road often serves as the perfect backdrop for introspection, but in Hannah Peterson’s film <Via Negativa>, the journey across America becomes a crucible for deeper emotional reckoning. Based on Daniel Hornsby‘s novel, the story follows Dan (played by Young Mazino), a young man navigating a world that has left him feeling adrift.
Dan’s status is unconventional: rejected by his diocese, he finds himself living a life described wryly as being a rent-a-priest. This existential limbo sets him on a rambling road trip through the vast landscapes of America, encountering a kaleidoscope of strangers and unforgettable roadside attractions, from the absurd to the starkly unforgettable.
But the journey is more than just scenery. As Dan drives onward, the seemingly lighthearted atmosphere of a road movie slowly gives way to significantly heavier themes. Amidst the endless horizon, he confronts the profound weight of memory, grappling with the recent death of a childhood friend and classmate from seminary school, alongside the persistent quest to find a former mentor.
The miles become a mirror reflecting Dan’s internal conflict. Ridden with guilt over what he feels he could have done for his departed friend, the road trip transforms into an intense search for reconciliation. As he drives toward his destination, the scenery shifts from external landmarks to the complex geography of his own past, forcing him to wrestle with questions of regret and forgiveness.
Adding a layer of unexpected depth to this reflective quest is an unlikely companion: a coyote that joins Dan on his journey. This animal, seemingly a simple presence on the roadside, takes on a surprisingly profound metaphorical meaning, underscoring the film’s central theme about companionship and the wildness inherent in the human experience.
Ultimately, <Via Negativa> is an engaging cinematic experience that masterfully blends the freedom of travel with the gravity of loss. It invites viewers to look beyond the asphalt and discover the complex truths hidden within the landscapes we traverse, reminding us that some of the most meaningful journeys are those taken inward.
| Image Information |
|---|
Credit: Eye For Film
