Neptune Frost 2022

The film unfolds an intriguing Afrofuturist tale set in a unique village in Burundi, crafted entirely from computer parts. It primarily explores the deep connection between Neptune, an intersex runaway, and Matalusa, a dedicated coltan miner. Their bond sparks the formation of a vibrant hacker collective that takes shape against the backdrop of a technologically driven world.

The story commences with poignant illustrations of mining activities accompanied by uplifting communal songs. Within the mines, we encounter Matalusa alongside his brother, Tekno, whose untimely death from the coltan mining process marks a crucial turning point in Matalusa’s life, launching him on a heroic quest. Similarly, Neptune’s journey is rooted in loss; they attend their grandmother’s funeral, where shared songs encapsulate their sorrow.

An extraordinary connection emerges between Matalusa and Neptune, one that transcends the ordinary through ethereal visions sent by their future child. This bond propels them on separate yet intertwined quests across the nation, in search of a mythical community known as the “Unanimous Goldmine.” This concept symbolizes unity, intertwining the lives of young adults who inhabit this alternate reality layered over their own.

As they lead this community, Matalusa and Neptune utilize their profound gifts of speech and song, uniting their followers with a shared mission to defy the overpowering tech conglomerates that dominate the internet landscape. Neptune’s uncanny technokinetic skills equip them to disseminate their unique philosophy across the globe through ingenious hacks.

World leaders, unable to determine the virus’s origin, hastily attribute the chaos to accusations against Russia and China. Amid the turmoil, Memory’s brother, Innocent, disguised as an oppressive state officer, uncovers the veiled Unanimous Goldmine. During a brief encounter with Memory, she tenderly reprimands him for his previous encounter with Neptune, insisting he leave them undisturbed. Unfortunately, their moment is cut short as a relentless drone tracks Innocent, exposing the community to the outside world.

In a catastrophic turn of events, an explosion devastates their sanctuary, leaving Neptune as the sole survivor, having been away during the assault. In the film’s poignant conclusion, Neptune rises from the ashes, projecting their identity to the world, symbolizing resilience and hope in the face of oppression.