‘Transamazonia’ Review: Helena Zengel Shines in Atmospheric, Ambiguous Amazonian Fable

Pia Marais’s Transamazonia marks her first film in over a decade, featuring a mesmerizing performance by Helena Zengel as Rebecca Byrne, a teenage faith healer with a mysterious past. The film, set in the remote Amazon basin, combines lush, atmospheric visuals with a narrative that intertwines spiritual and environmental conflicts.

Rebecca, the sole survivor of a plane crash in the jungle, has become a celebrated faith healer, drawing attention from locals and missionaries alike. Her enigmatic presence—whether a genuine miracle or a carefully crafted persona—is central to the film’s exploration of faith, exploitation, and Indigenous rights. As Rebecca grapples with her identity and the legacy of her father’s missionary work, the story delves into the tension between religious zealotry and the ongoing threat of deforestation.

Marais’s film, presented at the Locarno Film Festival and slated for the New York Film Festival, exhibits her signature international perspective and commitment to postcolonial themes. Despite its rich environmental backdrop and the complex character dynamics, the film’s narrative can feel elusive, often keeping viewers at a distance. The performances, particularly Zengel’s, anchor the film, but the overall emotional connection remains restrained.

The movie also introduces a conflict with illegal loggers, adding a layer of urgency and moral ambiguity. However, Marais’s approach maintains a cautious distance, offering a visually captivating but somewhat detached examination of the issues at hand.

Transamazonia excels in creating a tactile, immersive atmosphere, portraying the Amazon as both a spiritual haven and a battleground. While the film’s narrative depth might leave some viewers wanting more, its evocative portrayal of the jungle and its inhabitants underscores a profound sense of place and purpose.