Silver Haze: an intimate connection between cinema and cannabis

Cinema and cannabis culture have shared a long and complex history of mutual influences. In the case of the film Silver Haze, released on 23rd August, this connection deepens, creating a bridge between a cinematic narrative full of emotional realism and one of the most iconic and cherished cannabis varieties in the world.

Dutch director Sacha Polak is known for her ability to weave fiction with elements that are real and deeply personal. This approach already became evident in her acclaimed movie Dirty God, which featured British nurse Vicky Knight as the main protagonist. Now, with Silver Haze, Polak immerses us once again in a story that mixes reality and fiction, with Knight’s real life as the backdrop.

The film follows Franky, a young nurse from London who was physically scarred by a fire in her childhood. Her search for answers and her struggle with her insecurities lead her on an emotional journey that culminates in the discovery of love and redemption. This intimate story takes place in a context of marginalisation and the search for justice, with emotions that are intertwined with the physical and emotional scars of the main character.

Similarities with the cannabis strain Silver Haze

The name Silver Haze is no coincidence. Not only is this sativa-dominant variety of cannabis known for its energising and euphoric effects, but also for its ability to relieve depression and anxiety. The effects produced by this cannabis strain are a perfect metaphor for Franky’s emotional journey in the film. Just as Silver Haze delivers mental clarity and a feeling of euphoria, the protagonist of the film goes through a process of self-discovery that allows her to overcome her traumas and finally find peace.

In addition, the strain Silver Haze is famous for its potential to make users feel more sociable and connected, which reflects Franky’s evolution as she opens up to new relationships and experiences, especially in connection with Florence. This affinity between the film’s title and the marijuana strain adds an additional layer of meaning and cultural relevance, especially at a time when queer cinema and representations of internal struggle and healing are receiving greater attention.

The connection between the film and the cannabis strain Silver Haze can also be understood as a kind of cinematographic “act of healing”. Just as the strain can help users face and overcome their emotional struggles, Franky’s story in the film is a journey of healing and reconciliation, both with herself and with those around her.

Silver Haze has not only been a revelation for its content, but also for the critical reception it has had at renowned film festivals. Vicky Knight, whose performance has been described as “complex and full of nuances”, received the Teddy Award for Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival thanks to her outstanding ability to convey the vulnerability and strength of her character. The film has also made its mark at other international festivals, such as the Tribeca Film Festival, the BFI London Film Festival, and the Sundance Film Festival.

Cinematographic connections with the Haze varieties

The choice of the title “Silver Haze” for this film is not only an allusion to cannabis culture, but also a conscious choice that reflects the spirit of the story that Sacha Polak wanted to tell. The film is a testimony to how cinema can capture and reflect the complexities of real life, whilst resonating with broader cultural aspects such as cannabis use, which are often intertwined with these experiences.

Cinema and cannabis culture have maintained a symbiotic relationship over the years, with the strain Haze occupying a prominent place at this intersection. Several productions have captured the energetic and psychedelic spirit that characterises this cannabis family.

One of the most emblematic films in this regard is Inherent Vice (2014) by Paul Thomas Anderson. It reflects the disconnection and mental “fog” that can accompany the consumption of marijuana – a state that’s closely associated with the Haze varieties. This type of cinema, which plays with perception and reality, resonates with the energising and often euphoric effects of strains like our Amnesi-K Haze.

Another title worth mentioning is Smiley Face (2007), a comedy directed by Gregg Araki that follows a young actress who embarks on a series of absurd adventures after accidentally consuming a large amount of cannabis edibles. Although the film doesn’t directly mention the strain ingested, the depiction of disorientation and extreme euphoria is a clear reflection of what many users experience with strains like Cookies Haze.

And we can also mention Pineapple Express (2008). Although this film is named after another marijuana strain, the style and energy of the plot have much in common with the Haze varieties. The depiction of paranoia and surreal adventure in this action comedy resonates with the psychedelic experience that is often delivered by incredibly tasty varieties like Strawberry Haze Auto.

G13 Haze x White Widow

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Even in the genre of horror films, these type of strains, like Lemon Haze Auto or even Moby Dick (i.e. the quintessential Haze) have become popular among users seeking to enhance the sensory experience of this type of movie. The use of these strains whilst watching horror flicks has been extensively documented, highlighting how cannabis can amplify emotions and perception.

Cinema and marijuana: a perfect match

As you can see, the Haze strains continue to inspire both filmmakers and viewers looking for more intense and conscious experiences. And, although not every film mentions the Haze lineage directly, the influence of these strains on cannabis cinema is evident. The sense of euphoria, creativity, and occasional paranoia that these genetics provide has helped shape the representation of cannabis use on the big screen, becoming a key element in the narrative of many films in this genre.