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Hickling is terrific as a filmmaker contemplating whether he needs to make a big change in his life. It's an earthy, understated performance that's easy to identify with, especially as he has moments of humour as well as some intense reactions along the way. Other characters turn up one at a time, offering a variety of clever provocations and interactions. Each is sharply well-played, often with scene-stealing verve, to create people who have their own lives and issues beyond the edge of the frame.

This is a thoughtful exploration of life transitions, the difficulty of moving on and the seemingly never-ending challenge of perseverance. Hickling adds superbly jagged touches all along the way, including glimpses into Richard's spiralling thoughts and a few joyous epiphanies. So when the morning comes, a chance encounter in a street with a handsome stranger (Fedee) offers both comical relief and a witty jolt of lucidity, reminding Richard that maybe his life isn't quite the dead end it seemed to be last night.

themes, language, sexuality

29.Mar.22

Saboia plays Daniel with earthy honesty, at ease with his masculinity as defined by his society. He genuinely loves Sara, which creates tension because it's unclear how he'll react to the truth, especially with his violent past. Equally striking is how Fasanaro adds texture as the confident Robson understands the perils that accompany his dream to find true love. Their scenes together have an electric charge. Caught between them, Aquino is terrific as Robson's loyal best friend.

Beautifully set up, the narrative builds to a series of superbly played encounters that unfold in unexpected ways, provoking both the characters and the audience. As it heads for a gorgeous ending, the story is boldly and inventively taking on any culture that insists there's only one way to be a man. It's a remarkable exploration of how each of us can be many things at once, and that tradition might be one thing that limits us.

themes, language, sexuality

30.Mar.22

In the focal role, Cescutti expresses Agata's thoughts and longings with minimal dialog. The camera regularly zeroes in on her face, which is more determined than desperate. This makes her hugely engaging, observant and intrepid, so her trek becomes ours. Her chemistry with Quadri's enigmatic Lynx is fascinating, beautifully played by both actors to reveal their deepest secrets. And the colourful people they encounter along the way bring spark and unexpected jolts to the story.

Agata is battling against several layers of society, from the patriarchy that ignores her feelings to the church that gave her these beliefs then coldly dismisses her concerns about her child. Then along the road she encounters men and women who calmly exploit her pain for their own profit. Travelling on this odyssey with Agata evokes such profound truths that it's impossible not to identify with her. And the way Samani unfolds the narrative as a magical-realist fairy tale makes the conclusion darkly moving.

themes, violence

8.Feb.22