Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Koko-di Koko-da’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

For the most part, movies that revolve around the power of grief, tend to play it safe and understandably so. For grief is quite the powerful experience, one that rattles a human being like never before, and rather than potentially trigger audience members that have dealt with that kind of pain or make audience members that have yet to experience grief’s power, uncomfortable, it is a safer bet to tell an inspirational story that shows characters recovering from it in a speedy and happy manner. But while that does make for some uplifting stories for certain, the kind that allow for people to believe that they will be able to handle grief when it arrives no problem, the fact of the matter is… playing it safe in regard to grief does the story and the viewer a great disservice.
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Simply because it marginalizes grief and its power over a person and it only helps to add to the stigma surrounding it. But thankfully, as time marches on and we continue to have healthy conversations about what mental health looks like in our modern world, stories are beginning to explore the true power of grief and what it actually does to a person when it is unresolved and oddly enough, the horror genre is leading the way in these explorations. For this particular genre understands human emotion better than dramas and it knows how to address our concerns and our fears in a safe and unique environment and it just so happens that the horror streaming service Shudder, is about to provide us with a fascinating horror story that explores the power and the nature of grief in, Koko-di Koko-da.

Now in this particular film, we are introduced to a loving couple named Tobias and Elin who seemingly have it all. For they are true partners in a healthy and dynamic relationship, and they even have a wonderful daughter named Maja who is their everything. But one simple day, when the family is out celebrating Maja’s birthday, disaster strikes. For the family comes to learn that a seafood allergy has developed in Elin, one that puts her in the hospital and unfortunately, while she sleeps and heals with her family in the hospital, that same allergy takes hold in her daughter and takes her life. Leaving both Tobias and Elin besides themselves for years, to the point where their perfect relationship is but a memory. But as if that wasn’t enough trouble to deal with, an even bigger test awaits them when they opt to get away from it all and go camping. For their first morning in the woods is met with terror… when a strange group of people greets them with weapons and fury and the expectation to bend to their whims or die.

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So, it’s best we get this out of the way right now and point out the fact that this is an incredibly different horror film. One that toys around with the traditional storytelling structure found within the genre and that’s important to note, because the fascinating manner in which the story is told, has the potential to outright confuse the viewer. But while the unconventional nature of this tale is indeed jarring, this is a story that you simply need to stick with. For there is a rhyme and reason to everything that happens in this film, and the payoff is definitely worth the wait, especially when it becomes apparent that everything strange and unique that happens in this story… is all part of a grand exploration of grief and how it negatively impacts our souls and our relationships when we let it take control and once that becomes clear, the story takes on a bold new life.  
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For it truly holds nothing back in showing us how people are apt to do some unhealthy things when grief takes hold. Such as do everything they can to run from it and avoid having to deal with it. Even going so far as to keep family members and loved ones at arm’s length in order to keep the pain from even remotely settling in. Plus, it is also keen to show us how easy it is to use grief as a weapon, as evidenced by how Tobias and Elin treat one another, since they consistently project their pain upon each other, making their relationship toxic at times. But while those are some bleak and realistic elements to explore in this particular motion picture, what truly makes this harrowing adventure worth the audience’s while, is the sheer fact that it does offer up answers as to how we overcome grief, and it does so in an honest and frank and digestible manner.

As to how exactly it pulls that off, well we won’t be spoiling that here. Simply because you need to experience that particular feat and everything else that this motion picture has to offer, firsthand. Simply because this is hands down the most original and unique horror film of the year. Thanks largely to the fact that it makes grief the true monster of the story and doing so allows for one raw and visceral experience to take place, one that gives the viewer great pause. Since this is the kind of story that stays with you long after it has come to an end and thankfully… you won’t have to wait long to experience this fascinating and downright terrifying story, since Koko-di Koko-da is set to make its debut on Shudder, come this Thursday, March 18, 2021. 

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