Unveiling ‘Magic Farm’: A Disappointing Comedy Fumble at Sundance – UPI.com Review

Chloë Sevigny shines in “Magic Farm,” shown at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. However, the film struggles to connect with its audience.

Sevigny plays Edna, who hosts an online show about cultural practices worldwide. She and her team head to Argentina to find a viral musician. But problems arise when they mistakenly go to the wrong San Cristobal since there are several places with that name in South America.

The film attempts to poke fun at these unaware Americans trying to take advantage of another culture. However, one crew member, Elena, is the only one who speaks Spanish, showcasing the crew’s lax preparation.

Instead of being endearing or silly, many characters come off as quite annoying. Jeff, the producer, often complains when things go wrong but shirks responsibility. His reactions lack humor, making it hard to empathize with him.

Edna is anxious about their mistakes, feeling guilty even though she still benefits from exploiting local cultures. Unfortunately, she doesn’t dominate the story, which often revolves around her less appealing teammates.

One crew member, Justin, has a crude gag involving poor bathroom habits, yet lacks any comedic payoff. Elena seems grounded despite her personal struggles, as all the characters face typical romantic mishaps.

The crew decides to fake a local event to create content. This setup has potential but ends up being unfunny and unrealistic. Their dancer auditions lack any real flair, and a common blunder—looking into the camera while being filmed—falls flat.

There are a few bright moments, like a local mother sharing a charming story about Gerard Depardieu, but that’s not enough to elevate the film.

The visual style feels like it comes from an iPhone, even though professional cameras were used. This choice detracts from the viewing experience rather than enhancing it.

Ultimately, the crew misses out on a meaningful story right in front of them due to their distractions, which leaves viewers feeling disappointed rather than amused.