I did not expect much, going into the theater, but when the sound faded up and I saw the first shot, I knew this was going to be something different. And it was.
The director builds tension that is sometimes unbearable, but each uncomfortable scene pushes you through a quiet journey of a man and his inner demon. Breathtaking. Deon Lotz's portrayal of 'Francois' is fearlessly disciplined.
It seems slow paced but Oliver Hermanus reveals details and new information in every shot, which are held exceptionally long and really made me feel a Michael Haneke influence. In the visual stillness of the film, the sound design stepped up to the challenge.
Although explicit in places, but very functional, the film is gentle and carefully told. Regardless of subject matter - this is a well made film that was treated with a lot of respect by the makers and a rare film-going experience.
The director builds tension that is sometimes unbearable, but each uncomfortable scene pushes you through a quiet journey of a man and his inner demon. Breathtaking. Deon Lotz's portrayal of 'Francois' is fearlessly disciplined.
It seems slow paced but Oliver Hermanus reveals details and new information in every shot, which are held exceptionally long and really made me feel a Michael Haneke influence. In the visual stillness of the film, the sound design stepped up to the challenge.
Although explicit in places, but very functional, the film is gentle and carefully told. Regardless of subject matter - this is a well made film that was treated with a lot of respect by the makers and a rare film-going experience.