Queens World Film Festival: EXTERNO

Living through the past year has been no small feat for all of us. From COVID to our fractured political landscape, the world has seen the dark underbelly of those in power. Social media and 24-hour news cycles have stoked our fear of what’s true, what’s false, and who is really in control of the society we inhabit.

Recently, I had the privilege of attending a screening of a new film, Externo, by Jonathan and Leandro Taub at the Queens World Film Festival in Long Island City, New York. Written by Jonathan, staring Leandro, and co-directed by both, the brothers Taub have concocted a quietly tense look at how a small amount of money in conjunction with well-placed influence can bend the world in the favor of the elite. Externo tells the story of how a revolutionary businessman tries to conquer the world with a mere $2,000 dollars.

You’ve Been Warned

Mind you, before the film begins, the audience is given a disclaimer that Externo is a complete work of fiction and to be taken as such. Played as a tongue-in-cheek way to cover their bases with conspiracy theorists, heads of government, and billionaires in seats of power, the film does well to keep reminding us that this is only a movie. The forewarning plays an interesting role in how the film unfolds. With gripping explanations of how money and influence are the motivators of our societal structure, the disclaimer sticks in your mind, pulling the audience back to reality while still leaving a twinge of doubt in its wake.

Externo starts with the introduction of Joseph (Leandro Taub), a disheveled-looking, yet savvy businessman wandering through a dreamscape of nature, woods, and isolation. Shot with an almost arthouse lens, Joseph meanders to an undisclosed abandoned warehouse in the woods where he debriefs the viewer about how money works both for or against those who have it. Throughout, interstitial examples are played out explaining the game that is finance while painting a portrait of how those in the know get ahead, even when starting with a meager investment. These cut scenes felt reminiscent of films such as The Big Short by giving an entertaining tutorial of how and why the rich get richer.

The film eludes to a strained relationship between Joseph and an unnamed young woman (Elisabeth Ehrlich) who he lets in on his master plan. Acting as an anchor for Joseph, she seems at odds with his thirst for power, pushing back and constantly questioning his motives. Her interactions appear to be a bridge to a simpler life Joseph could have with humanity full of love rather than control.

Why Buy The Cow When You Could Just Invest In One?

What works so well with this film is the way the narrative gives you nothing and everything all at once. The fiscal explanations, although abundant, only give you a minor glimpse into the overall plan Joseph has up his sleeve. The rest comes in drips and drabs that unveil themselves with a patient hand well up until the third act. This, plus an omniscient narrator’s guiding voice peppered throughout keeps the viewer informed and enlightened to a point, only peel off the mask when most impactful.

The Puppetry Of Politics

Where there is money, there is politics and very few get ahead in this world without the prior. Once the monetary gain of Joseph’s scheme builds the foundation for what’s to come, he soon sets his eyes on people in seats of political influence. One of the major takes aways from Externo comes from the power of information. More so, how to use the information to manipulate those who make the laws.

Having dirt on the right person can be exponentially more useful than a strong flow of cash. Joseph, being a shrewd businessman uses his knowledge of political leaders’ vices and scandals to manipulate several outcomes in his favor. This comes off as almost second nature in the portrayal of the character. The dialogue between Joseph and politicians feels more like a business deal than blackmail, especially with the calm, collective manner in which he bends these people to his will with little concern for other’s well-being. But then again, we are talking about running the world.

The Stage Is Set

As the film progresses, talk of causing disasters for power comes into play. Through a few well-made phone calls from his dilapidated warehouse in the middle of nowhere, Joseph topples small governments, manipulates world leaders, and destroys innocent lives all in the pursuit of his goal of proving that he can do it. Remolding the world as he sees fit, his humanity is often tested by the unnamed woman to little or no avail.

His plan escalates like a snowball rolling down a steep hill, though Joseph’s resolve never seems to waver no matter the damage he causes. The selfishness of being right envelopes him, driving him forward to a powerful climax that has catastrophic results for the world as a whole. All done with just $2,000.

The End Game

Externo is a polarizing experience in how it manipulates the audience as much as its characters. At times you find yourself enthralled by Joseph one minute and appalled the next. The film feels like a surrealist glimpse at money, power, and influence and how they can be as helpful as they can be harmful in different hands.

Externo is a captivating look at what drives mankind to thirst for more at the expense of others. The need to be right doesn’t always mean there is a moral backbone to one’s goal and the journey to get there can be treacherous on the soul. Externo is a definite recommendation for those searching for something out of the ordinary in terms of storytelling and high concept.

Film festivals have featured so many intriguing works which we might not have discovered otherwise. What are some favorites you’ve experienced through the existence of these important festivals? Comment and recommend your picks to the Film Inquiry Community and keep the conversation going.

Externo is currently playing the festival circuit.

Watch Externo