by Charles Kirkland Jr.
Fraternal twins with a telepathic bond are abandoned by their father after his remarriage. Left to fend for themselves, their brotherly connection faces a test with the arrival of a new teacher, Lara in The Fox King.
Having lost their mother at birth, fraternal twins Ali and Amir are left to navigate a harsh world alone when their father abandons them for a younger wife. The burden of responsibility unexpectedly falls on Ali, the younger of the two, who finds himself being his brother’s sole protector and caregiver. Amir, who speaks only in the names of animals, is often misunderstood by those around him. But somehow through their fraternal bond, Ali always knows exactly what he’s trying to say.
At school, the twins are targets of relentless bullying, made worse by Amir’s unusual behavior. Their world begins to shift when they encounter a mysterious young woman dancing alone on the beach. The next day, she appears in their classroom as their new English teacher, Ms. Lara.
Ms. Lara’s arrival gently unravels the tight knot of the boys’ bond and initiates a journey of change for both of them. As secrets surface and painful confrontations unfold, including with their estranged father, the twins begin to face their past and redefine their future.
Written and directed by Ming Jin Woo (Stone Turtle), The Fox King stars Idan Aedan as Ali, Hadi Putra as Amir, and Indonesian superstar Dian Sastrowardoyo as Ms. Lara.
Director Woo Ming Jin, a twin himself, tells the story of Ali and Amir through the poetic metaphor of the fox king, a rare and perfect durian fruit marked by a hidden star. Known for its spiky shell and pungent scent, the durian is often overlooked and underappreciated. But when opened, it reveals something surprisingly sweet and wonderful. Likewise, Ali and Amir may appear rough on the outside, but beneath their rough and blemished surface lies something fragile, precious, and pure.
The Fox King is an intimate exploration of the spiritual, sometimes mystical connection between twins. It is a tender study of brotherhood, its rivalries, sacrifices, and ultimately its unbreakable loyalty. At its core, the film serves as a powerful reminder not to judge a book by its cover. Sometimes, the best is just hidden beneath a hard and misunderstood shell.
Grade: B
