Reflective Encounters

“In the last decade, cyclists carrying bulky, brightly-coloured cuboid bags on their backs have become a common sight in cities across the world. The ubiquity of these food delivery workers could now be considered emblematic of the times we live in, similar to the sight of petrol filling station attendants in the mid-20th century. However, the lives of these workers have been seldom explored in film, and for that reason Neon Phantom stands out.

Through a fusion of musical and quasi-documentary, Neon Phantom seeks to portray the dreams and frustrations of food delivery workers in Brazil. The musical segments bring a peppy energy to the film, without minimising the serious issues raised about the exploitation of labour and harassment by police. The film also highlights a racial divide between the workers (almost all of whom are Black) and their customers. One particularly awkward scene sees a middle-class white customer complain about a missing item even though there’s nothing the delivery worker could have done. Such moments act as a counterbalance to the more whimsical sections of the film. Regardless, even the dances of the workers simmer with dissatisfaction at an unequal society.”

— Cathy Brennan