On this page: CAGED | THE NIGHT | SYNCHRONIC

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In a wrenching performance, Gathegi maintains Harlow's tenacious intelligence even as his reality begins to slip, jeopardising his attempt to address the injustice in his case. Then in the sunny past on board their sailboat, Gathegi creates a smart-sexy connection with Sarafyan, revealing that there may be trouble in paradise. By contrast, Hardin wears an exaggerated sneer while chomping mercilessly on the scenery. Sacks' story only makes sense if she's seen as a ruthless racist.

Filmmaker Fjellman underplays the bigger themes while zeroing in on unnerving imagery that's often in Harlow's addled mind, such as drafting his new appeal in his own blood. The main problem is that it's not easy to work out what the filmmakers are trying to do here, because it feels like little more than a mental freak-out, swirling jarring scenes together in a way that's tricky to decode. Still, the imagery is genuinely nasty, and Harlow's experience is horrific, especially as it reveals a system that has failed him.

themes, language, violence

26.Jan.21

Hosseini and Noor are superb as a bracingly normal husband and wife trying to hold themselves together through an unnerving situation. Neda's matter-of-fact approach, always assuming that the craziness is related to Babak's drinking, adds a deeper sense of their relationship, creating tension that's subtly well-played by both actors. Their visceral performances sit in intriguing contrast to the casually indifferent people they meet in this hotel, where the laws of physics don't seem to apply. The supporting cast is skilfully bonkers.

The film is packed with terrific set-pieces that make jarringly visual use of iconic locations like hotel receptions, hallways, lifts and bathrooms, even if the sound mix is rather hyperbolic, and some of the crazy touches feel over-the-top. But as the situation escalates, this becomes a clever exploration of how our past can haunt us in ways we don't quite understand. And where this night goes is challenging and deeply moving, playing with our fear and guilt in a properly horrific way.

themes, violence

7.Jan.21

Mackie and Dornan both deliver refreshingly earthy performances in a film that's a little too airy for its own good. Thankfully, their personal situations are resonant, throwing some emotional confusion into the mix, and the complex friendship between them remains engaging, allowing for offhanded humour and feelings that run surprisingly deep. And these men become an even more compelling team in the story's final half hour. Other characters are well-played but remain on the edge of the story.

The idea that past, present and future are an illusion is a provocative one, and the events play out with meaningful context both in the adventure plot and in the story of the long-running bromance between Steve and Dennis. Both of them recognise things in each other that they can't see in themselves, and they have distinct perceptions on life that are cleverly challenged. So there are plenty of angles to hold the attention, even if the film feels meandering and ultimately somewhat corny.

themes, language, violence

26.Jan.21