John and the Hole

This had a lot of good things going for it: a decent plot idea, good actors, nice cinematography, creepy vibe, a creative take on the whole coming-of-age genre. But it totally fell flat. It didn't go anywhere. Parts were just completely pointless and it took itself waaaay too seriously. In the end it had no discernible cohesion. Not really worth a watch.

This film is a disappointing example of an intriguing premise, good acting, good cinematography, and strong sound design and score not adding up to anything worthwhile. The sum is much lesser than its parts.

I am also disappointed in the writing, as Giacabone penned both Birdman and Biutiful, two astoundingly original film concepts. I suppose the difference here is that, instead of a master like Innaritu at the helm, we have first-timer Pascual Sisto who is more interested in mood and pastiche than creating a cohesive experience. Haneke or Lanthimos this ain't, and it's heavy borrowing from each winds up getting in the way of what could have been a more interesting film.

I am sure that on second viewing, one might peel back another layer or two, but I don't feel the desire. I may check out Sisto's next project, but this one was kind of a bust for all of its technical achievement.

I mean he didn't kill any animals, so that's great. But yeah this movie is not thrilling at all (the genre is there for some reason..). It's a slow-burn drama about a kid who is "different". He asks questions and wants to know why and what or how things are. He is curious but devoid of emotion or compassion. The movie itself is like I wrote in the title, a study and a pretty lame one at that, but still overall is pretty interesting. The atmosphere is the same as the main character, so as the soundtrack. I didn't get the ending or the other story in the movie. Though I overstand the idea and meaning of the movie, because it has an underlying message about families. I don't really recommend this movie to watch in cinema or if you have something better to see, only if you have nothing and/or are depressed and want to turn your brain off. Because yeah, the dialogues in the movie are so fking bland and boring.

John and the Hole is elevated by its methodical pacing, pretty cinematography, and engaging performances from the entire cast; but the film is ambiguous to the point of frustration, and all these aforementioned strengths can't make up for the fact that it tests the audience's patience over and over again and never rewards them for it.

There are several scenes in the movie in which a VERY intriguing character motivation or plot element will be introduced, and every single one of these moments is immediately forgotten and never mentioned again.

I was never bored because I kept wondering where the story was going to go next and why John was doing the things he did; what role did his family play in driving him to his breaking point, if any? But my intrigue never payed off.

I won't spoil anything because there isn't anything to spoil. There are no revelations, twists, or anything of the sort. The movie just plods along introducing a bunch of red herrings, and then it ends.

This ends this film and my memory of its existence.

The end.

JOHN AND THE HOLE is a fascinating look into the feeling of nothingness, and existence without empathy. "What does it feel like to be an adult," asks John, because he just can't imagine living that long. A strange tale of swapping power dynamics and unexpected connection, when the film is good, it's great. It's hard not to feel held at arm's length, however, wanting to embrace what's happening but not being fully able to. It's the small, almost missable, moments that are the most chilling. But it's a little too hollow at its core. Charlie Shotwell impressively intimidates, while Taissa Farmiga shines in a limited role.