Slow

Approaching "Slow" or "Tu man nieko neprimeni" as a Lithuanian, I had hoped for a step forward in our film industry. Regrettably, this film succumbs to the same issues that often plague Lithuanian cinema: protracted scenes that contribute little to the narrative and an overemphasis on mundane everyday life moments. This film could have easily shed a significant portion of its runtime and still conveyed its intended message effectively.

While the film's underlying theme of asexuality held promise, it often deviates off course with superfluous dance sequences, peculiar moments like the main character Dovydas eating a sandwich or a McDonald's burger for no apparent reason, and awkward English interjections in Lithuanian dialogue. These numerous diversions detract from the film's primary theme and overall potential.

Admittedly, there were some commendable moments, such as the endearing portrayal of the two main characters engaging in the seemingly mundane task of hanging laundry. For me, this touching scene stands out amid the film's shortcomings. Nonetheless, these fleeting highlights fail to outweigh the movie's overall drawbacks.

I remain hopeful that Lithuanian cinema will rise above its stagnation and embrace more concise and impactful storytelling. However, "Slow" is a disappointing step in the wrong direction.

"Slow" presents us a deep dive into how asexuals see relationships with non-asexuals and also with themselves. It also asks interesting questions not only about asexuality, but about romantic and sexual relationships in general. One of the main themes of this film is showing how difficult yet significant it is to know what we need in such relationships and how to communicate that with your partner. That is exactly why I think "Slow" deserves our attention, because it shows important aspects of modern relationships - that we haven't seen portrayed in cinema before (asexuality) - in a beautiful and intimate matter and how loving someone is sometimes not enough. I must also highlight the acting performances of the two protagonists, that really carry us through this story gorgeously.

If you have had or have a love with someone who is asexual or erotophobic, it is a great movie to share.

I wish I could have seen it at the beginning of the relationship, it helps a lot to understand what feelings and thoughts are going through both parties.

Dovydas played by Kestutis Cicena and Elena played by Greta Grineviciute do a great job.

Marija Kavtaradze tells a story that is unconventional in everyday life and complex to understand for the rest if you have not experienced or lived it.

I have missed some good moments during the film to visualize the true, pure and real love they experience. But overall good script.

It is very strange to define it because each verdict sounds very subjectiv.

A dancer and and a sign language interpreter meets for a task of job. But their relation becomes more profound . And complicated, him being asexual, she being passioned by...life.

The easy thing is to appreciate the acting, both , Greta Grineviciute and Kestutis Cicena being just great.

Second, to applause the story ( and music ) reminding few Soviet films from the last 1980 decade, defined, like Slow, by well suggested melancholia. Because it is not so pleasant story to understand - feel the relation between main characters , relation based by honest definition of vulnerability.

For me, just a profound beautiful movie , especially for sweet- bitter air and for fair portraits of ordinary people in complicated relation of love.

Saw this back at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival

"Slow" is a story about Dancer Elena and sign language interpreter Dovydas meet and form a beautiful bond. As they dive into a new relationship, they must navigate how to build their own kind of intimacy. There are many romance stories that follow this similar structure and it tends to become very predictable with each move the story decides to go. Despite it's familiar, the film still works because director Marija Kavtaradze was able to take a different approach with the story and creates an interesting and realistic story about love with interesting characters. The camerawork, sound design and production is really good as the presentation reminds me a lot of The Worst Person in the World in a good way.

Many of the performances were really good as the two main lead have perfect chemistry between each other which helps to make the characters feel nature and interesting throughout. Character study films are really interesting as it provides an guide to understand how the human life works throughout many lens. "Slow" does have it's flaws as some of the pacing moments could be improved and the narrative does fall a bit uneven halfway as certain aspects didn't feel fully fleshed out or understand where it wants to go. Some of the supporting characters felt they could have been written a little better since they felt like they were just there and didn't offer too much impact to the film.

Overall, it's a simple yet effective romance story and I did enjoy it quite a lot.

Rating: B+