There’s a grand lineage of cinematic donkeys out there – from Eddie Murphy’s Shrek wisecracker, to The Banshees Of Inisherin’s scene-stealing Jenny, to the horrifying donkey-boys of Pinocchio, Winnie The Pooh’s pal Eeyore, and beyond. But now, get ready to fall in love with EO – a donkey who’s not a mere supporting character, but the central player in his own story. EO, from Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski, is a beautifully-shot and powerfully emotional drama that recently bagged an Oscar nomination for International Feature Film, telling the story of a donkey who moves away from his life in the circus, and ends up on an epic journey across the forests and landscapes of Europe. Before the film hits UK and Irish cinemas on 3 February, watch an exclusive clip here:
With donkey POV shots, striking wildlife footage, and a real sense of danger as EO finds himself out in the dangers of the modern world, that’s just a taste of the full EO experience – and it’s all gorgeously shot by cinematographer Michał Dymek. Here’s the official synopsis: “EO, a grey donkey with melancholic eyes and a curious spirit, begins his life as a circus performer before escaping on a trek across the Polish and Italian countryside. During his travels, he encounters an eclectic cast of characters, including a countess (Isabelle Huppert), a young Italian priest (Lorenzo Zurzolo), and a riotous Polish football team. EO’s journey speaks to the world around us, an equine hero boldly pointing out societal ills, and serving as warning to the dangers of neglect and inaction, all while on a quest for freedom.”
Catch the film on the big screen (and see how it impacts your Cinematic Donkey Ranking) from 3 February – and stay tuned to the Oscars in March to see if it wins out in the International Feature Film category.