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Servetalis makes the blank Aris likeable, intrigued by things he sees around him, as well as things he might remember. But he's oddly asexual, even after being encouraged him to meet a woman. So when he does, he's only interested in snapping a Polaroid selfie for his teacher. Still, dancing comes naturally. Aside from his disconnected counsellors, Anna is the only other character, a fellow amnesiac who seems more open to this journey than Aris is.

The training programme encourages Aris to discover various human experiences, including art, sport, socialising, sex, compassion and grief. So even if it's somewhat creepy and bleak, the film has an earthy soulfulness as it explores Aris' yearning to unlock the secrets of his own identity. It's fascinating to watch him find tiny slivers of himself. And it can't help but encourage us to think about how big the world would feel if we simply faced it as if we could be anyone we wanted to be.

strong themes

7.Jan.21

Each character is performed with an uncanny authenticity that roots everything in gritty, urgent reality. Djuricic is excellent in the central role, balancing Aida's churning internal thoughts and emotions as she faces a wide variety of situations. It's a gruelling performance, delivered with an understated honesty that heightens Aida's churning thoughts and feelings, balancing her job with attempts to save her family. And Isakovic is astonishing as the arrogant Mladic, knowingly controlling the situation and everyone around him.

This is a staggering depiction of a recent historical event, assembled by the gifted Zbanic with an eye for the most humane details. As implications turn increasingly brutal, and the UN haplessly turns over the town's entire population to the Serbs, the tension becomes unbearable, especially for anyone who remembers history. Time and again over the centuries, people have stood by while the most evil atrocities were committed. This film is a cry for compassion in a world seems to be growing more callous by the day.

themes, language, violence

7.Mar.21

The cast is unusually down-to-earth, with Eigenmann at the centre as a badly beaten woman who simply wants to protect her daughter. Her quiet tenacity is remarkable, and her bond with young Suan is hugely compelling. But she also beautifully plays Joy's deep doubts about the legal system. Opposite her, the late King boldly gives Dante an unrelentingly fierce presence. We've seen what he's capable of doing, but he's also an callous, arrogant liar. And each person around them has a powerful impact on their story.

The propulsive filmmaking assures that there's never a dull moment in this story. Conversations have a desperate edge, while each event along the way comes with often heart-stopping implications. Without pushing a message, writer-director Gutierrez cleverly reveals how the entire culture is tilted against women, depicting underlying boys' clubs and women terrified to step forward and tell the truth. Bureaucracy adds to the sense that justice is out of reach. And it's horrifying that these same stories can be told in every culture on earth.

themes, language, violence

6.Mar.21