-Written by Kyle Bain.
2025 SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!
The final day of school presents Faye (Panayiota Yiagli) and Elly (Ellie Galousi) with a unique lesson on astronomy, a fight in the schoolyard, and an interesting exchange between friends on the bus. 400 Cassettes explores the idea of being unable to change the past–a concept both intriguing and haunting.
400 Cassettes is a fever dream, a film driven by a series of individual chaotic events. Whether it be the aggressive movement of the camera, a water fight, or a disco scene fueled by teenage angst–the entirety of the film lends itself to a realistic representation of Faye and Elly’s adolescent years and their experiences together. We’re dragged through the life of two teenage girls in a way that is almost nauseating, but it’s an accurate representation of the teenage mind. 400 Cassettes accurately conveys the chaos that ensues in everyday life for children, for those that struggle to let things go and compartmentalize. We jump from place to place, from challenge to challenge in a way that feels real, almost tangible. Most of us have probably experienced things akin to what is depicted in 400 Cassettes, and even if these depictions are slightly different than what we’ve experienced, it’s incredibly easy to gravitate to these young girls and appreciate their story.
There’s a dreamlike feel that extends itself the length of the film, that allows us to understand the naivety that exists, but also helps to create something whimsical that extends into the realm of magical realism. The magical realism aspect of the film plays a significant role in its development and in allowing the narrative to drive forward at an effective rate. The use of lens flares and shaky cinematography allows this aspect of the film to develop wonderfully, becoming fully realized and effective throughout. The almost hypnotic sequences allow for a visceral response throughout 400 Cassettes, and helps to forge the relationship between viewers and the characters on screen.
400 Cassettes sets out to develop relationships between the characters and its audience, and it intends to use those connections to inspire emotion. Without this the film’s ending means effectively nothing. We need to connect with Faye, we have to understand what she’s experiencing and what’s going through her head–and with that we are able to appreciate the decision that she makes as the film concludes. Additionally, Writer-Director Thelyia Petraki ensures that her dialogue is well developed and has depth. Each conversation that exists among characters plays a role in the film, in both the narrative and the emotional aspect of the character development. While things don’t always make sense when they are first introduced to us in 400 Cassettes, when all is said and done, things are wrapped up nicely, touching on things that happen throughout, and creating something cohesive and successful.
Petraki does a spectacular job of ensuring that the entirety of the film possesses meaning, that at each shift in the narrative, at each turn, the things being said and done are meaningful to the film as a whole. Petraki develops effective dialogue that, in turn, allows us to connect with the film’s younger protagonist and ultimately identify with them. Though, it’s the dreamlike nature of 400 Cassettes that most effectively reels viewers into this story and helps to develop a true emotional connection and visceral response. The film’s conclusion is beautiful, and as everything comes together to create something grandiose and compelling–I only wish that I had more time with Faye and Elly.
Written & Directed by Thelyia Petraki.
Starring Panayiota Yiagli, Ellie Galousi, Argyris Pavlidis, Thanos Koniaris, Makis Vlachos, etc.
9/10 = DROP EVERYTHING AND WATCH IT NOW
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