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Mescal and Coirio have terrific chemistry as a young dad and his knowing child. They are often more like friends than parent and child, so the interaction bounces back and forth between them with neither really in charge. Their teasing banter is infused with the adoration they have for each other, and the ease with which they shift into serious conversations is beautifully played. Meanwhile, Mescal adds the darker undertones in between the lines, occasionally offering a more extended glimpse.

Using flickers of imagery, video clips, photographs and starkly intense cutaways, Wells seems to want the audience to fill in the narrative blanks from our own experiences, so it's likely that each viewer will have a different emotional response to this film. And some will be annoyed that what's on-screen only suggests something devastating without bringing things to the expected pay-off. Still, as an example of the power of skilled filmmaking, this is an impressive feature debut.

themes, language

14.Nov.22

With so little dialog, Woodvine's expressive face caries the film almost as if it was a silent movie. Her reactions are subtle but graphic, revealing her surprise and terror at the inexplicable things happening around her, from lichen growing on her flowers (and on her own abdominal scar) to appearances from various people around her, real and imagined. Her only real interaction is with Rowe, when he drops by with supplies, and he adds his own offbeat feelings as everything seems to be coming unglued.

Elemental films like this appeal to the viewer on a subliminal level, so Jenkins' genius decision to eschew dialog or any obvious plotting pays off beautifully. This allows bigger themes to emerge where we least expect them to, touching on the tension between humanity and nature. Fans of more obvious storytelling may have trouble hanging on for the ride, but those who go with this will be incrementally chilled to the bone as the movie progresses. And they'll have a lot of fun along the way as well.

themes, violence, sexuality

27.Oct.22

In the central role, Alexander makes this young man deliberately inexpressive, even as it's clear that he's dealing with some very deep emotions. His interaction with others reveals things he's thinking and feeling, even as the actor skilfully keeps everything tightly bottled up. His perspective informs everything on-screen, so other characters are far less defined. Rylance is superb as the chatty, caring Dunleavy, who snaps into moments of riveting lucidity. But his Britishness keeps him from expressing his own deeper feelings.

There's a tendency while watching this kind of film to see each scene as some sort of puzzle piece that needs to fit neatly in with the others to create a clear picture. But Ryder seems to be creating a more elemental narrative that reveals details in the feelings themselves, plus the occasional burst of highly charged information. That said, there isn't much about the plot that comes into clear focus, and while the filmmaking is lovely, the story remains inaccessible. Where it goes may be strikingly played and expertly shot, but it doesn't have much emotional impact.

themes, language

11.Oct.22