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There's not much an actor can do in this kind of movie, but flashes of personality boost even the smaller side characters. So it doesn't really matter that the various relational entanglements are abandoned once the carnage begins. Khorami at least offers a nicely intelligent presence, and she also gets to demonstrate some heroic action toughness. Her prickly interaction with Silset's chilly-wounded Erik offers several nice moments along the way, especially in the thick of the action. And Evensen has a strong presence as the stubborn young activist.

In genre style, the morally dodgy characters are in the most danger here, clearly destined for this behemoth's mouth. By contrast, Joanne has more engaging encounters that border on affection. The story itself feels rather cursory, and the ending abrupt. While there are great shots of the creature's scale, we never get that knockout punch. In the end, the story's sparky moral seems to be that it might be a good thing that only 5 percent of the ocean has been explored. And until we learn to be better listeners, we should probably leave it that way.

themes, language, violence

11.Jun.26

Hosseini is remarkably nuanced as the impulsive Tohid, who isn't aways easy to like. Although his heart is in the right place, his hotheaded reactions repeatedly inflame the situation. We understand why Soraya has had it with him, and Shakeri reveals her feelings under her snappy retorts. Esmailifar's Raha is more introspective and thoughtful, but this pushes her in worrying directions. And Mirzaei gives Soheil a remarkably open heart. Even Samian, as the ostensible villain of the piece, finds unexpected textures.

Because of how the narrative creates staggeringly intense causes and effects, the film grows increasingly grim as it goes along. This ramps up the emotions, as these people react to a situation that seems unthinkable to them. And through all of this, there's a quiet commentary about the tragic inequity in a system in which some people work but struggle while others live a life of luxury and privilege. Justice isn't quite the same for each strata of society, and the film asks us to consider where we draw that line, and why.

themes, language, violence

20.Jun.26 rff

Wanebo has terrific presence on-screen, creating a smart, unapologetic young woman whose forthright personality tends to ruffle feathers. So the various locals and travellers she encounters feel bracingly authentic. Because of the language barrier, scenes between Chacon and Bang are played out largely without dialog, creating a gorgeously visual depiction of this evolving offbeat father-son relationship. Both are charismatic and complex, and Bang is especially nuanced as he reveals his pitch-black demons.

Infused with magical realism, the narrative is packed with ideas about connection and legacy. This is most visible in the complex odyssey of the fisherman and his adoptive son, during which we watch this rootless young man begrudgingly find his way to a sense of identity, purpose and community. But there's nothing remotely simplistic in the way this plays out, creating harrowing turns in plot threads that seem to circle in on themselves. And the journeys these characters take are never what we expect.

themes, language, violence

19.Jun.26