Fremd in der Welt

Macon Blair's feature film debut is a wicked blend of violence & hilarity that balances the elements of crime & comedy with flair, offers an interesting insight into the norms of lower-class American society, and is wonderfully uplifted by quirky inputs from its cast to succeed as an indie that's as amusing as it is rueful.

I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore tells the story of a lonely woman who's sick of people being indecent all around her and is pushed to the limit when her home gets robbed. Enlisting the help of a neighbour, the two decide to go after the ones who burglarized her house but soon find themselves out of their depths.

Written & directed by Macon Blair in what's his directional debut, the film exhibits a shade or two of Jeremy Saulnier's thrillers when it comes to depicting violence but most of it is pierced by well- dosed humour that serves as a counterpoint. The plot takes a while to get going but once it gains the momentum, it is expertly maintained till the end.

Featuring an idiosyncratic list of characters whose arcs are embedded with serviceable depths, the first act attempts to establish our protagonist's lonely state & morals before bringing more people into the play. Melanie Lynskey plays her leading part brilliantly and supporting her throughout is Elijah Wood who delivers a downright hilarious performance as her neighbour.

On an overall scale, I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore is a confidently crafted beginning of Macon Blair's directional career and is a morality play that's quite timely but there was still room for improvement, for few segments are drawn out, narrative flow is inconsistent at times, and it settles for a safe conclusion. Nevertheless, for a debut feature, it is as good a start as any. Worth a shot.

According to Slipknot, people = s**t, and that's the conclusion despondant nursing assistant Ruth (Melanie Lynskey) arrives at after witnessing those around her acting like assholes on a daily basis. When her home is burgled, and the police prove less than helpful, Ruth decides enough is enough, and, with help from her neighbour Tony (Elijah Wood), tries to track down those responsible to let them know just how despicable they are.

A smart black comedy featuring standout performances from Lynskey and Wood, I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore is the directorial debut of actor Macon Blair, which makes the movie an all the more impressive achievement. Blair handles the action like a seasoned pro, leading his likeable protagonists into unpredictable situations that go from bad to worse, culminating in a brilliantly orchestrated orgy of violence. What starts out as a quirky drama winds up in seriously dark territory that is scarily brutal, absurdly amusing and hugely entertaining.

Highly recommended. 8/10.

There's definitely something to be said about a film that seems to be as demented and as outrageous as this one. I say that as a very high compliment. The passion driving the filmmakers is clearly visible on screen and there is a lot to be said about a film that you watch that doesn't let you have any idea of where it will go. The two leads are also very strong, especially Melanie Lynskey who has proved herself to be more than capable of leading roles time and time again. She deserves more attention in general. I do think the film suffers from mixing genres a little too much and a little too often, sometimes to the point that I was not sure how to take certain scenes and what their intention was. Still, a very interesting and entertaining film and one that will hopefully gain a large audience.

Loved this film! Melanie Lynskey does a great job as depressed nurse with a penchant for justice who unwillingly becomes a vigilante. Elijah Wood is hilarious as her sidekick. The story is absurd and fast-paced. Cinematography is spot-on, with camera-work and colors that create a moody, slightly surreal atmosphere. And all throughout the movie breathes with life and love for its wonderful characters.

You gotta be able to withstand some violence though—there definitely is some in here. To me, the violence felt natural and was still humorous enough not to be overly shocking, reminiscent of movies such as Super and Kick Ass. So, go and watch this cute little gem!

I Don't Feel at Home in this World Anymore - mouthful of a title masks a nifty little blackly comic thriller about a woman turning to vigilantism after a burglary. Melanie Lynskey is perfect in the main role and is well supported by Elijah Wood and by a quirky cast of side characters. The plot goes in one or two unexpected directions and the film doesn't outstay its welcome. Writer/Director Macon Blair - who starred in the thematically similar but more po-faced Blue Ruin - has made a most enjoyable debut here.