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The New World is supposedly the story of Pocahontas (the Indian word for “jail bait”?), but you can’t be sure since explorer John Smith’s adolescent lover is never actually referred to as “Pocahontas” in the movie.
In fact, there are many things you’re never quite sure about when watching this movie. You do know that in 1607, a ship carrying Captain John Smith lands somewhere that is inhabited by “naturals”. And you know that Virginia is full of beautiful scenery and wildlife. From there on out, the movie is hard to follow. As best we can tell . . . for no apparent reason, the white man and the Indians fluctuate between liking each other and trying to kill each other . . . in the midst of which John Smith becomes infatuated with a young – VERY young – Indian girl who falls in love with him. But, he is determined to continue exploring the world and leaves her thinking he is dead. She marries a different white man and has a child. She is welcomed like royalty to England and finally sees John Smith one last time only affirming that she really does love her husband. In the end, they fill you in on the fact that 9 years have passed and tell you that in 1616 the Indian girl, now referred to a Rebecca, dies.
The New World features exceptional casting, strong acting, and superb cinematography. However, the story is weak, and the way it is told using patched together fragmented scenes – many of which seem irrelevant or superfluous - is both confusing and annoying. By the end, you’re not sure what it all meant, and you’re much too frustrated to care. Though the film appears to be an excellent depiction of what life must have been like for the early "New World" settlers, the director’s inventive approach to filmmaking renders it woefully unappealing. While some aspects of The New World may receive critical acclaim, it simply isn’t entertaining enough to do well at the box office.
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