New Movies: Peaches Goes Bananas (2024) by Marie Losier: An Intimate Portrait of a Taboo-Shattering Icon
- dailyentertainment95
- Jun 9
- 9 min read
Peaches Goes Bananas (2024) is an intimate documentary film directed by Marie Losier, offering a deep dive into the life and artistry of Merrill Nisker, famously known as Peaches. Filmed over 17 years, the film captures the electrifying concerts of the trailblazing feminist queer icon, her fearless exploration on and off stage, and her close bond with her sister. It's a candid and unconventional portrait that showcases Peaches' boundless energy and how she transforms every phase of her life into a captivating work of art, challenging preconceptions about age, gender, and sexuality.
Short Summary
Marie Losier's Peaches Goes Bananas (2024) is a documentary filmed over 17 years, intimately portraying the life of feminist queer icon Peaches. It highlights her electrifying performances, personal relationships, and fearless artistry, revealing how her boundary-pushing energy transforms life into art.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30327721/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/peaches-goes-bananas (France)
Detailed Summary
Peaches Goes Bananas (2024) is a documentary feature film directed by Marie Losier, a filmmaker known for her intimate and unconventional portraits of avant-garde artists. This film focuses on Merrill Nisker, the Canadian musician, performer, and producer, universally known as Peaches. Losier has been filming Peaches for an extensive period of 17 years, allowing for an exceptionally deep and intimate look into her life and artistic evolution.
The documentary showcases Peaches' "electrifying concerts," her "fearless exploration on and off stage," and how her "boundless energy" has shaped her into a "taboo-shattering artist." Beyond the public persona, the film delves into her personal life, particularly highlighting her "close bond with her sister, Suri," who battles a degenerative disease. It also offers insights into her relationship with her partner and her creative process. Losier's distinctive filmmaking style, often described as whimsical, poetic, and dreamlike, brings an unconventional approach to this portrait. The film was co-produced by Tamara Films and Michigan Films, with distribution by Norte Distribution in France and ADOK FILMS in Switzerland. It had its world premiere at the Venice Days sidebar of the Venice Film Festival 2024 and has been a hit across the festival circuit, including Glasgow Film Festival and BFI Flare.
Plot Summary
A Two-Decade Portrait: The film unfolds over 17 years, intimately capturing the life and career of Peaches (Merrill Nisker).
Electrifying Performances: It showcases her provocative and boundary-pushing concerts, highlighting her stage presence and fearless exploration of sexuality and gender.
Behind the Persona: The documentary delves into the human side of the artist, featuring interviews and candid moments.
Personal Relationships: A significant focus is placed on Peaches' deep and moving bond with her sister, Suri, who has multiple sclerosis, and insights into her relationship with her parents and partner.
Creative Process: Viewers gain a glimpse into Peaches' artistic and musical creation process, including the design of costumes and props, and the physical and emotional demands of touring.
Evolution and Identity: The film explores how Peaches defies age and societal preconceptions, using her art as a means to convey messages about women's visibility and relevance at any age.
Director's Vision
Marie Losier's directorial vision for Peaches Goes Bananas (2024) is to create an intimate, unconventional, and long-term cinematic portrait that transcends a typical music documentary. Her vision emphasizes:
Intimacy and Authenticity: Having filmed Peaches for 17 years, Losier aims for a raw, unvarnished portrayal, allowing the audience to feel as if the camera has become "ubiquitous" and forgotten, leading to an immersive and immediate experience of Peaches' condensed truths.
Artistic Exploration: Losier, who views filmmaking as a "different medium of painting," uses a whimsical, poetic, and dreamlike approach to explore the artist's life and work. The 16mm footage adds to this aesthetic.
Beyond the Icon: While showcasing Peaches' "taboo-shattering" stage persona, Losier also seeks out "quieter, more tender moments," focusing on the "person behind the artist" and her human connections.
Defying Stereotypes: The film aims to highlight Peaches' role in challenging preconceptions about age, body image, and sexuality, showing that women remain "wonderful, desirable, and powerful at any age."
Relationship-Driven Narrative: The documentary is described as "less a portrait of a musician... and more a portrait of a friendship," emphasizing the dynamic between Losier (whose voice and personality take up space, even if her body is hidden) and Peaches, as well as Peaches' bond with her sister and family.
Key Themes
Identity and Self-Expression: The film explores how Peaches fearlessly expresses her identity and challenges societal norms through her art, music, and personal choices.
Aging and Body Positivity: It directly confronts preconceptions about women's bodies and sexuality as they age, with Peaches performing confidently in her underwear at almost sixty.
Feminism and Queerness: The documentary positions Peaches as a trailblazing feminist queer icon, highlighting her contributions to these movements through her provocative artistry.
Family Bonds and Support: The deep and moving relationship between Peaches and her sister, especially in the face of her sister's degenerative disease, serves as a powerful emotional core.
Art as Life/Life as Art: The film illustrates how Peaches' boundless energy and fearless exploration transform "every phase of her life into a captivating work of art," blurring the lines between her artistic persona and her personal self.
Visibility and Relevance: It carries an important message about women not disappearing after their thirties, and the continued relevance of their voices and experiences at any age.
Key Success Factors
Long-Term Filmmaking (17 Years): The extensive filming period allows for unparalleled intimacy and a unique perspective on Peaches' evolution.
Compelling Subject: Peaches is a globally recognized and influential figure known for her boundary-pushing art, ensuring inherent interest.
Director's Distinctive Style: Marie Losier's whimsical, intimate, and unconventional approach to documentary filmmaking provides a fresh and artistic portrayal.
Emotional Depth: The focus on Peaches' personal relationships, especially with her sister, adds a powerful human element that resonates with audiences.
Timely and Relevant Themes: The film addresses contemporary issues of ageism, body image, gender, and sexuality, making it highly pertinent.
Festival Acclaim: Its premiere at Venice Days and subsequent screenings at major festivals like Glasgow and BFI Flare indicate strong critical reception and industry recognition.
Awards and Nominations
Peaches Goes Bananas (2024) has garnered significant festival recognition:
Venice Film Festival (Venice Days sidebar): Nominated for the Queer Lion Award.
Festival du nouveau cinéma (Montreal): Nominated for the Compétition Temps.
Gijón Film Festival: Nominated for Best Film (Retueyos).
Official Selection: Watch Docs Film Festival, Glasgow Film Festival, BFI Flare Film Festival, and Pink Apple Film Festival.
Critical Reception
Critical reception for Peaches Goes Bananas (2024) has been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising its intimacy, unique style, and ability to delve beyond the public persona of Peaches.
Eye for Film: Called it an "extraordinary piece of filmmaking" and "less a portrait of a musician... and more a portrait of a friendship." It lauded the "best editing you're likely to see this year" and Peaches' "willingness to be seen just as is," adding "extra layer to the film." It highlights the powerful emotional motor of the sisterly bond.
Cut To The Take: Described it as a "well-rounded documentary with the potential to mean a lot to its audience regardless of their prior knowledge of the artist," emphasizing "Behind the crazy entertainer persona is a human being with an important message to share." It notes Peaches' irreverent take on aging and sexuality as a "means to a bigger, more important message: women don't disappear after their thirties."
Billboard: Stated the documentary "shows why her brand of feminist punk and electroclash has resonated for 20+ years."
Cineuropa: Praised Losier for not only enjoying "all the shenanigans on stage" but also looking for "quieter, more tender moments," which she finds.
Overall, critics commend the film for its unique approach, deep emotional core, and its ability to provide a compelling and humanizing look at an iconic artist.
Reviews
Audience and wider critical reviews for Peaches Goes Bananas (2024) are highly positive, reflecting its success on the festival circuit. Viewers are likely to praise:
Intimacy and Rawness: The film's candid portrayal of Peaches, including vulnerable moments and her aging body, which is seen as empowering.
Unique Documentary Style: Marie Losier's artistic, whimsical, and long-term approach to documenting the artist.
Emotional Impact: The moving depiction of Peaches' bond with her sister and family, which adds significant depth.
Inspirational Message: The film's themes of defying ageism, challenging stereotypes, and fearless self-expression.
Electrifying Concert Footage: The integration of live performances that capture Peaches' dynamic stage presence.
Production Summary
Peaches Goes Bananas (2024) is a documentary feature film (73-76 minutes) directed and also largely filmed by Marie Losier over a period of 17 years. It is a co-production between France and Belgium. Producers include Carole Chassaing-Lacroix, Sébastien Andres, and Alice Lemaire. Ael Dallier-Vega is credited with editing, and Peaches (Merrill Nisker) herself is credited for music and appearing as "Self."
Production Companies
Tamara Films (France)
Michigan Films (Belgium)
Sales Companies
Best Friend Forever (Brussels-based) has boarded the international sales for Peaches Goes Bananas (2024).
Distribution Companies
Norte Distribution (France)
ADOK FILMS (Switzerland - Theatrical, TV, DVD-video, VOD, Airline)
Film Movement (Educational distribution)
Streaming Release Date
A specific wide streaming release date for Peaches Goes Bananas (2024) has not been announced beyond its festival run and limited theatrical screenings. Given its distribution in various countries, it will likely become available on streaming platforms. Some festival screenings imply digital availability within those festival windows.
Theatrical Release
Peaches Goes Bananas (2024) premiered at the Venice Days sidebar of the Venice Film Festival 2024. It has had various theatrical and festival screenings globally, including in France, Belgium, the UK (Glasgow Film Festival, BFI Flare), and Switzerland (Pink Apple Film Festival). Some specific dates are listed for March-May 2025 in different regions.
Why to Recommend the Movie
Unique Access and Intimacy: Filmed over 17 years, it offers unparalleled access to Peaches' life, both on and off stage, providing a truly intimate portrait.
Trailblazing Artist Profile: It's an insightful look at a feminist queer icon who has consistently pushed boundaries in music, performance, and discussions of gender and sexuality.
Artistic Filmmaking: Marie Losier's whimsical, poetic, and unconventional directorial style elevates the documentary beyond typical biographical films.
Powerful Themes: The film explores relevant topics like aging, body positivity, self-expression, and the strength of family bonds.
Emotionally Resonant: The portrayal of Peaches' relationship with her sister adds a deeply moving human element.
Why to Watch the Movie
If you are a fan of Peaches: This is the most comprehensive and intimate look at her life and career to date.
If you appreciate unconventional music documentaries: Marie Losier's unique artistic approach sets this film apart.
To be inspired by a fearless artist: Peaches' boundless energy and boundary-pushing exploration are truly captivating.
For a film that challenges societal norms: It boldly addresses themes of age, gender, and sexuality in a refreshing way.
To experience an emotional and thought-provoking story: The film blends electrifying performances with poignant personal moments.
Movie Trend
The film aligns with the trend of Long-Form Observational Documentaries of Cultural Icons, particularly those with an experimental or artistic approach. It also fits into the rising prominence of Queer and Feminist Documentaries that highlight influential figures and movements, and the Exploration of Aging and Identity in the Arts.
Social Trend
The film resonates strongly with the social trend of Increasing Openness and Acceptance of Diverse Sexualities and Gender Identities (LGBTQIA2S+ rights and representation). It also taps into the growing movement for Age Positivity and Challenging Ageism, particularly for women in the arts. Furthermore, the emphasis on authenticity and vulnerability in public figures aligns with a broader societal desire for genuine connection and transparency.
Final Verdict
Peaches Goes Bananas (2024), directed by Marie Losier, is an exceptional and deeply intimate documentary that offers an unparalleled 17-year journey into the life and artistry of the iconic Peaches. Losier's unique, whimsical style beautifully captures the electrifying stage performances, fearless self-exploration, and profound personal relationships (especially with her sister) of this trailblazing feminist queer icon. The film is a powerful, candid, and often moving portrait that bravely challenges societal norms around age, gender, and sexuality, making it a highly relevant and inspiring watch. With its strong critical reception and extensive festival run, Peaches Goes Bananas stands as a remarkable achievement in documentary filmmaking, appealing far beyond Peaches' existing fanbase.
Recommendations for Filmmakers
Embrace Long-Term Projects: Consider investing extended periods in filming your subjects, as this can lead to an unparalleled level of intimacy and depth in documentary filmmaking.
Develop a Distinctive Style: Cultivate a unique artistic voice that sets your documentaries apart, as Marie Losier's whimsical and poetic approach does.
Go Beyond the Public Persona: Strive to reveal the human being behind the public figure, exploring their personal relationships and vulnerabilities to create a more relatable narrative.
Tackle Relevant Social Themes: Use your films to challenge societal norms and explore contemporary issues (like ageism, gender, sexuality) through the lens of your subjects.
Showcase Artistic Process: Give audiences a glimpse into the creative journey of artists, including the challenges and inspirations behind their work.
Recommendations for the Movie Industry
Support Long-Form Observational Documentaries: Recognize the immense value and potential impact of documentaries that evolve over many years, offering unique historical and personal insights.
Promote Queer and Feminist Narratives: Actively seek out and champion films that provide authentic and empowering representation for LGBTQIA2S+ communities and explore feminist themes.
Invest in Unique Artistic Voices: Support directors with unconventional and distinctive styles, as their work can push the boundaries of documentary filmmaking.
Facilitate Festival Distribution: Leverage the festival circuit to build buzz and secure wider distribution for artistically strong documentaries.
Encourage Diverse Subject Matter: Continue to fund and distribute films that explore the lives of groundbreaking cultural figures who challenge societal norms.
Final Conclusions
Peaches Goes Bananas (2024), a remarkable documentary by Marie Losier, offers an unprecedented and intimate 17-year journey into the life of the influential feminist queer icon, Peaches. Losier's unique artistic vision beautifully captures both the electrifying public performances and the profound personal moments, including Peaches' powerful bond with her sister. The film boldly tackles themes of aging, gender, and self-expression, making it a highly relevant and inspiring cinematic experience. With its strong critical acclaim and extensive festival presence, Peaches Goes Bananas is a standout documentary that transcends typical music biographies, providing a deeply human and visually captivating portrait of a truly original artist.
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