Ed. note: This is a capsule review, full review coming upon theatrical release.
Final Rating: 4/5
Red Fever is a new documentary from the directing duo Catherine Bainbridge and Neil Diamond. Diamond is a photographer, writer and director who also stars in the film. The film begins with Diamond giving narration, talking about how in his travels around the world he finds everyone is “fascinated by Indians”, but being a Cree man himself, he often is not what they have imagined.
Indigenous culture has permeated every facet of life in North America. Unfortunately it has either been appropriated or white washed over to ignore its origins. Diamond and Bainbridge are here to talk about how every day pop culture and institutions can trace their roots back to the various Nations across Turtle Island.
The film is presented like a Medicine Wheel, taking four mainstream aspects that guide everyday life and delving into the Indigenous influences they have on society. These four quadrants are Fashion (Spirit), Sports (Body), Politics (Mind) and Earth (Heart). The film is broken into four chapters, with Diamond traveling across North America and through parts of Europe to get to know a bit more about the impact Indigenous people have had.
There’s plenty of comedy as Diamond is a gifted orator and his narration stays fresh all the way through as he mixes in equal parts knowledge and wonder. The subjects chosen to be interviewed are all passionate people, with a wealth of knowledge to share. It helps break down the mythos of the “savage Indians” white society has perpetuated and build up the impact Indigenous people continue to offer.
Diamond and Bainbridge have made a tremendous documentary that is so fascinating in its breadth of subject matter and ease these stories are told. The film features a few animated sequences to help show oral stories being told with some visual flair. Having access to plenty of historical photographs, media clips and film stock showcases how over such a long period of time, white society has been both co-opting and suppressing Indigenous culture. The film is an exciting addition to the documentary genre that is both fun and informative.
Red Fever was seen during the 2024 Hot Docs Film Festival. Thank you to Route 504 PR for the screener. Check out our Hot Docs wrap up podcast.
