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Performances are rough around the edges, adding realism to the situations. Although this sometimes leaves plot-driven action moments feeling a bit wobbly. Brown is a compelling central character, likeable as he leans into Kevin's flaws. As events close in around him, his offhanded optimism is infectious, even when things begin to get scary. All of his relationships are complex, packed with prickly details that are finely underplayed by the supporting cast, notably White and Geneus.

It's rare to see a film that avoids moralising as it explores how the only way to survive is to veer outside the lines. There may be a foreboding sense that Kevin's transgressions will come back to haunt him, but his desperation is easy to understand, as is his hope against hope that one last trip will get him out of trouble. So after a series of sharp, shocking moments, the question becomes whether he has already lost his soul. And whether an even more horrific tragedy awaits a group of people at the end of their rope.

themes, language, violence

2.Sep.19

The terrific youthful cast depicts the odd collision of machismo and childlike emotion as these kids play soldier with real assault rifles. Standouts include Arias as a loser who rises to the leadership challenge with some unhinged ruthlessness. Buenaventura offers remarkable textures as the sensitive, androgynous Rambo. Giraldo is excellent as a young man weighed down by his responsibilities. And Rueda brings some earthy innocence to the young Smurf. Meanwhile, Nicholson gives the doctor a fierce sense of tenacity.

Where this goes is darkly unnerving, with strong echoes of Apocalypse Now. Landes is cleverly exploring the nature of power, as children create a sense of order in a world that has failed them. The sudden twists and turns of fate are often shockingly violent, and it's easy to understand why they want to control their own destiny in such a complex, messy situation. This is bold, vivid storytelling that continually catches the audience off guard with its often full-on depiction of humanity outside the rules.

themes, language, violence, sexuality

7.Sep.19

Newcomer Thedin is on-camera for virtually every moment, holding the camera's gaze with pure charisma. Her emotions are under the surface, and yet the audience feels every ripple. And the people around her are also working as hard as they can to hide how they feel about this situation. Bonnevie and Gudnason manage to remain engaging and even enticing as people who never wanted kids. Astrid and Nils love their children, but feel unsuited as parents.

Because this is seen through Jill's hopeful eyes, the film leaves most of the detail off-screen, instead shifting gently into her troubled fantasies, with visual effects that sometimes make this feel like a haunted house movie. These elements feel a little on-the-nose for a film that's so overtly about the oppressive weight of loneliness and insecurity. So as events continue to crumble around Jill, the question becomes whether she can possibly survive this. Perhaps the one positive aspect is that she seems strong enough to deal with pretty much anything.

themes, language, violence

27.Aug.19