On this page: MUTT | SUNLIGHT | TO NOWHERE

< < I N D I E S > >

With subtle naturalism, Mehiel gives Fena a striking honesty that often catches us by surprise as he openly grapples with thoughts and reactions that seem overwhelming. The lingering bond between Fena and John is beautifully played by both Mehiel and Doman as they explore where they are now and their conflicted feelings about each other. Ryder has strong scenes of her own as an open-minded but confused kid, and Goic brings his own personal energy and point of view.

The film is peppered with observations that are piercingly astute, touching on the themes from a range of angles. John admits that Fena looks more comfortable now. Zoe urges him not to disappear from her life again. And in exasperation, Fena tells Pablo, "If you don't understand me, fine. But do not tell me not to be myself." Their warm, nuanced father-son relationship gives the film a gentle final kick of hope.

themes, language

17.Jul.23

The actors ground their characters so strongly that it's almost possible to look past the screenplay's continual simplification of the situations and themes. Ward has a bright focus as Leon, a man desperately trying to prove to himself that he's no longer a loser. His connection with Iver is beautifully played, as Ward and Carney find unusual textures of chemistry that reflect their years of friendship. Beattie has her own steely energy, stirring some wry honesty into their interaction. And smaller roles offer plenty of colour.

As it circles around the central theme, the film begins to drag, feeling more than a little repetitive. It also becomes clear where Leon and Iver's gentle adventure is heading. So the introduction of a darker drug-centred element is both contrived and oddly underdeveloped, which leaves it distracting and irrelevant. But Dix's direction and the actors' performances continually reveal complexities in both the characters and their connections. As a result, the film is intriguing and even moving.

themes, language, violence

15.Jun.23

Performances have a relaxed authenticity about them, which becomes increasing intriguing as we wait to learn what's driving their emotional reactions. Everyone is barely containing their anger, including the side characters. And at the centre, Lesser and Glaesel beautifully play the affection and rivalry between Tulip and Finn. Their odyssey takes a number of startling turns along the way, as drunkenness makes them more expressive and wearing masks create a startling openness. Meanwhile, Seale is also excellent as a smiley man concealing a grim secret.

This is a beautifully observed little film that establishes the characters and their emotional realities in economic ways that require little in the way of dialog. This is particularly helpful because much of the conversation is spoken in inaudible whisper. And Astor-Lewis also uses some simplistic shorthand, such as how Stanley's visit to a fetish shop implies shady things about him while setting up a moment of truth that evolves into both an unnerving confrontation and a cathartic expression of intimacy and individuality.

themes, violence, violence, sexuality

22.Jun.23