I Got My Disk Inserted at the "Imaginal Disk" Movie Showing
On the second anniversary of my favorite pop duo Magdalena Bay’s sophomore album Imaginal Disk, I was selected for an exclusive viewing of the album’s corresponding movie of the same name, directed by Amanda Kramer.
This movie has been widely unavailable since it premiered at the Tribeca Festival in New York City this past June. Mega fans of the band have been restless, eagerly awaiting the chance to watch the film since its existence was announced last August.
I have been longing to watch the film myself as well, especially as a super fan of the band. When they announced a special screening of the film in Los Angeles, I jumped at the opportunity. I immediately signed up for the lottery, having a deep, intuitive feeling that I’d get selected. I had no doubts in my mind; I knew I would be watching this film. Sure enough, I was lucky enough to be selected.
Here’s a spoiler-free review of the movie and my experience.
Arrival @ the Theater
I had been feeling excited all day, knowing I’d finally be watching this highly anticipated film. Everything seemed to be working out perfectly that day. I drove with my fiancé to Los Angeles, found parking with no hassle, and ended up 5th in line for the showing.
After stepping inside and checking in, we got to take photos with The Doctor, a character who inserts the imaginal disk (shaped like a CD) in the Imaginal Disk world.
This was icing on the cake. The photo opportunity alone was worth the event, but rest assured, I was still going to see this film lol.
There was also merchandise for sale, such as the movie poster and a hat that says, “I’ve been diskinserted.” I thought the hat was clever, but I practiced restraint and didn’t purchase it. I did get a popcorn bucket with the MagBay logo on it, though!
We found some seats in the theater, settled in, and were ready to roll.
Once the lights dimmed and the projector turned on, I was so excited, I was practically about to jump out of my seat. The initial hello of the album’s first lyric brought a wave of emotions, a crescendo of excitement, enthusiasm, and pure joy.
I was so happy I could cry; I was finally watching the movie.
Movie Review
A swirl of bright colors and funky costumes, eye-catching visuals, and bold editing contrast against synth-pop and psychedelic tunes— this film is a phenomenal companion and entrancing music video to the Imaginal Disk concept album.
This movie takes us on a journey of True, played by the band’s lead singer Mica Tenanbaum, as she navigates a dreamlike, dizzying, and strange world with equally strange and unique characters. We follow True as she explores themes of identity, transformation, generational trauma, love, and loss.
I’ve listened to the album every week since it was released two years ago, and I still don’t fully understand the storyline. I’ve read all the think-pieces, Reddit threads, and Discord conversations, yet the plot is still elusive. I can follow up to a certain point, and then I’m lost. This is done by design, as Tenenbaum has explained before that the film and album are meant to be open to interpretation, and their messages are meant to evolve and change over time, as we humans do.
I thought watching the movie would make it all make sense, but I can now confirm that no, it does not make any more sense to me lol. The movie has definitely given me new perspectives and theories as to the plot and characters, yet has left me with even more questions that shan’t get answered anytime soon. Perhaps a re-watch or two would shine a new light.
The film has also provided a visual presentation of certain lyrics, some that play out exactly how I envisioned in my head, while others completely challenged what I initially thought a lyric meant or represented.
We had a Q&A with Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin, the other half of the Magdalena Bay duo, after the film, who spoke a little about their inspirations and thought processes behind the film. It was so cool to hear directly from the sources their thoughts on the movie and album. They’re also so incredibly sweet, signing autographs for the handful of folks who rushed towards them as they were trying to exit the theater.
Final Thoughts
Imaginal Disk is beautiful, poetic, and powerful. It is an examination of looking inside yourself and trying to figure out who you are, what circumstances you were born in, and what it means to love and to lose in life. In essence, it’s an exploration of what it means to be human.
Every mega fan and casual listener alike should watch the film. As I write this, the band is selling pre-orders of the DVD, yet there is hope among fans for a theatrical release. (Local friends and family, I already pre-ordered a DVD, and would love to share this film with y’all once it arrives!)
If you haven’t already, please give the album Imaginal Disk a listen! Magdalena Bay’s other music is incredible as well—I still have their first album Mercurial World and all of their Mini Mixes on repeat.
Until next time, friends!