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Heightened filmmaking makes everything feel fragmented and overwrought, but most of the actors manage to remain grounded, while also having some fun with the nutty melodrama. Ver Hoeve is a likeable lead, making Brian just naive enough to be sympathetic. Even if he never settles on one personality, Welch has strong on-screen presence even if everything about Jeremy is badly overstated. In side roles, Peltz has strong charisma while others kind of blur into the background.

While the movie generates some visual style and physical energy, the plot never overcomes its simplistic structure, as neither the writers nor the director trust the audience to think for themselves. Odder still is how the script simply assumes that being gay is something that should be hidden, then preaches about the dangers of repression. But there are some enjoyable grisly moments on the way to a properly bonkers finale. As well as some true darkness in the premise.

themes, language, violence, drugs, sexuality

3.Jan.23

On-screen, Pax has a strong presence even if Gabriel seems to lack even a hint of energy or motivation in anything he does. He's determined to send money home to his mother, but his relationship with her is never developed beyond some general hints. Opposite him, Harmon's Martha has a nice matter-of-fact sensibility, even if her actions are just as opaque. And while dropping in big plot points, the script leans a bit heavily on the echoing mother-son issues between these two lonely people.

As a filmmaker, Pax finds interesting rhythms in scenes that feel improvised, while the scripted dialog is tentative. Much of the film is assembled from random clips edited together into montages, often in slow motion. There are some beautifully shot moments along the way, but the narrative also indulges in cliches, from an ominous hacking cough to a colleague's overdose. These things give the film a emotional and cautionary tone, even if the tale feels somewhat unfinished.

themes, language, violence

12.Dec.22

Jacobs skilfully finds ways to maintain a consistent character even if each segment strikes its own distinct tone. Some are brightly amusing while others are more darkly thoughtful, but Jane remains tightly engaged to everything that's happening. This involves a full range of feelings and physicality, including moments of dance-like movement. Her various encounters are played with a heightened sense of perception and emotional impact, drawing the audience right into her experiences.

As Jane's experiences continue through what seems to be a long day and night, there's a remarkable sense that she's trying to find something she can cling to, either in familiar places or relationships, but everything looks different now. This brings an intriguing sense of longing both for what once was and what might have been. And she also realises that there are things that are much more important than chasing a dream of happiness.

themes, language, violence

12.Jan.23