SBIFF 2024 Review: ‘Dandelions’ encourages families to end the secrets
Family secrets are not uncommon. Today many families are unearthing secrets due to DNA ancestry testing. The issues that arise now with DNA revelations have prompted the Library of Congress to compile a directory of resources for families facing a newly unearthed secret. In Dandelions, Basil Mironer unearths a potentially devastating family secret via social media. The film follows the man as he explores the secrets, gathers facts, and later pulls the family together for what promises to be an explosive conversation.
Dandelions chronicles Basil’s journey to find his own roots. Joined by his girlfriend Flavia Watson and brother Ben Mironer, Basil offers the audience an authentic look in verité form of the very moment his life changes forever. The moment when a family secret is brought fully into the light.
Basil has memories of his home country Russia. He left there with his parents as a toddler. Basil’s parents came to the U.S. for a better life. However, there was never a lot said about the home country. Then, as an adult, Basil is contacted by Kolya and Liza Ulinich. They claim to be Basil’s half-brother and half-sister, the younger children of Basil’s father. The man they name is NOT the man who raised Basil.
This disturbing news sits with Basil for 8 years. He finally decides to do something about the information, to check it out, see who these people are and what they know. However, before Basil can get started, he knows that he will need support. That is his brother Ben. Ben was born to their parents after the family settled in the U.S. for several years. He is definitely Eugene and Katherine Mironer’s son.
The audience gets the entire story at the same time Ben does. In fact, however, the film is not through Ben’s POV. Basil narrates and films many of the scenes in Dandelions. Flavia and Ben also pick up the camera at times when Basil must be at the center of the story.
One of those moments comes after Basil reunites with his father Alexei Ulinich. Flavia and Basil interview Alexei and films as he answers questions about Basil’s adoption. Alexei is honest, candid and gets very emotional. So does Basil. Flavia points out the fact that Basil picks up the camera when things get too overwhelming, hiding behind the lens.
The tense moment of the film comes much later, when Ben and Basil confront Katharine and Eugene about the secret. The directors opt to include the entire argument, even the point where everyone is yelling. It is tough to watch but necessary. Some harsh things are said, and feelings are hurt.
However, the audience gets to see the resolution of the argument. Eugene’s words are healing.
SPOILER ALERT
The family remains intact and close at the end.
Dandelions is more real than most reality television in that it does not shy away from the hard conversations and moments when Basil and the other family members are not showing their best side. Everyone has to confront their mistakes in front of the camera lens. All of this in an effort to heal a secret. One that only makes the family bigger and stronger.
Dandelions is a Mirage Studios Production, in association with Normandie Films and Rope Line Media. The film is directed by Basil Mironer (“Rare Fish”), and produced by Basil Mironer, Ben Mironer, and Flavia Watson (“Lonesome Soldier,” “Ghosts of Monday”). Cinematography is by Mitchell Arens (“Kate Nash,” “Underestimate the Girl”). Location Sound is by Miriam Arens (“Black Horn Night Heron”). Dandelions is edited by Aleksandar Marinovich, Eric Elofson, and Basil Mironer, with original Music by Ben Mironer.
Dandelions premieres at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Feb. 12, 2024.
