Nimic

I couldn't stop thinking of "The house that Jack Built" while watching this short. The choice of music, Matt dillon himself who appears in both everything looked somehow familiar.

All you need to know about this short is... it's made by the man himself Yorgos Lanthimos.

Perhaps the greatest strength of 'Nimic (2019)' is its ambiguity, which keeps you pondering its meaning long after its credits have rolled. Though I felt as though I had a pretty solid grasp on what was actually happening as I watched it, a conversation with my brother soon led me to realise that even the aspects I took for granted as being 'canon' are actually rife for interpretation. Furthermore, the underlying "why" of it all is firmly out of reach; it's impossible to know if it's meant to act as an allegory for something or if it's simply designed to provoke thought regarding the themes and fears it touches on. It's an odd, unsettling and uncompromisingly enigmatic experience that gets under your skin without you really knowing why. It's calmly yet confidently constructed, with sleek cinematography and deadpan performances. It's a very dry affair and it certainly won't appeal to everyone, but - if you can get on its wavelength - it's a distinct and unnerving short that should keep you engaged throughout.

It was a fun 12 minutes, I have to admit. Nothing too spectacular, but nothing too bland either.

I don't know this for sure but it has certain similarities to Zulawski's Possession; from the way certain scenes were framed, the camera angles and just the overall vibe.

While this movie undeniably showcases the signature surrealism we've come to expect from Yorgos Lanthimos, it might just be a bit too enigmatic for its own good. The film navigates the complex themes of identity and human relationships with a disconcerting flair but often leaves viewers grappling for solid ground. Matt Dillon's performance, though commendably intense, sometimes feels overshadowed by the movie's overindulgence in its own obscurity. The pacing, though aiming for unsettling, occasionally veers into the tedious. The visuals and score, while atmospheric, may come off as heavy-handed to those looking for a subtler narrative. Overall, this movie is a testament to Lanthimos' distinctive style, but its insistence on ambiguity may not sit well with all.