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In unusually textured performances, Seydoux and MacKay create astoundingly complex characters who transcend various scenarios, completely different people who have eerie commonalities in the emotions that run deep under the surface. Some of these roles are more heightened than others, but there are naturalistic touches that continually circle back to the overall storyline. So the chemistry between Seydoux and MacKay is remarkable, often skilfully understated but always driving the underlying narrative.

Cleverly evoking the idea of past lives as well as the way people try to reinvent themselves, this film keeps our brain spinning. It will be frustrating to viewers who like to have everything presented to them obviously, although sticking with it brings rewards in the strikingly well-played variety of scenes, from comical moments to a climactic nail-biting thriller set-up. And through it all, there's the thread of an epic romance and two people who are fighting to keep their love alive against unimaginable opposition.

themes, language, violence

1.May.24

With his lanky physicality and linen suits, O'Connor has an otherworldly presence, the notorious lone Englishman who holds everything inside. No wonder everyone sees him as a chimera. He's searching for a reason to go on after losing Beniamina. Perhaps he can find this in Italia, whom Duarte plays with astonishing textures as someone wary, trusting, life-loving and death-fearing. It's a fantastic performance that sparks terrific chemistry with Arthur, but she's much more than a romantic foil. And of course Rossellini is simply wonderful.

Entrancing and deeply enjoyable, the film pays tribute to Italian neorealist cinema with a warm sense of humour. Rohrwacher allows the audience to lose themselves in a fully immersive tale, feeling each wistful yearning, mischievous adventure and magical flourish. And because the themes are etched into the framework of each scene, it's impossible to watch this tale without considering our relationship with history, both in our own life and in signs that litter the world around us.

themes, language, violence

30.Apr.24

Thivaios manages to keep Noah likeable, even amid a series of seriously dodgy decisions. This is mainly because everyone he meets is even more disruptive and chaotic than he is, and he is emotionally connected to rescuing his daughter and trying to keep Lea from panicking. So it almost feels like he doesn't deserve this, and it helps that the cascading violence is comically extreme. By contrast, Perceval's appallingly disruptive Carlos causes nothing but trouble, but at least he finds ways to have fun along the way.

As the day passes, Noah just about maintains a level head, even when everything around him becomes increasingly harrowing. This helps us root for him as he desperately attempts to return this woman's case and rescue Zita, whatever it might cost. The filmmakers don't bother to insert a moral message here, but the suspense is heightened simply because the stakes feel so personal. So the film remains entertaining, even when the craziness begins to grate.

themes, language, violence

9.May.24