The Seeding

I almost didn't watch this, based on several reviews here. After watching, I could understand how the bleak story could divide viewers. Though depressing, I found myself immersed in the situation.

I love the desert, so the setting immediately sucked me in. Though mostly limited to a house in a hole, it made for a fairly dramatic set piece. I'll need to search out how this was achieved.

I was also drawn to the character of Alina. I was wondering why she was so quiet and calm, while the main guy was freaking out. She seemed both disconnected and alluring.

Technically, it was very competent. Good cinematography, wonderfully eerie music. Overall, the movie did a great job of making me believe that this place could exist.

Wyndham Stone (Scott Haze) gets lost in remote wilderness. He is rescued by a woman (Kate Lyn Sheil) living at the bottom of a canyon. He gets hurt trying to climb the canyon wall. Then he is harassed and trapped by a group of young people.

This reminds me very much of 70's Ozploitation. Quite frankly, I thought they may be Aussies trying not to do their accent. That has to be the motif that filmmaker Barnaby Clay was shooting for. It succeeds at that. The movie is off-putting in all that right ways. It has a tiny location. It is simplistic, crude, and basic. Don't look for more or complexity.

Conceptually I actually found this quite intriguing but unfortunately it didn't go much of anywhere. It almost felt like it was cosplaying as some cerebral art piece, an allegory for something bigger and seemingly profound... yet barely had much substance let alone a real payoff.

I definitely would've loved a bit more background and lore, generally pushing it away from that up in the air, confusing, slow burn vibe. Which it was most certainly slow moving... interestingly atmospheric at times for sure, but generally a tad belabored.

There was something about the lead male's acting that wasn't there for me either. The intention and drive behind it were apparent, but it didn't quite land on the side of convincing for me. I think there was something intriguing at the root of this experience but all in all it felt a bit undercooked. I don't think I would say it was an unentertaining experience by any means, it just didn't end up being super special. Still can't say it was bad so I would aloofly recommend.

For what this movie is, I guess the overall film wasn't terrible. It wasn't good either. The main problem I had with it was that the main character wasn't likeable in the least bit. He spends his time on screen being loud and annoying. This is why I don't feel a bit bad for what happens to him. He probably treats everyone around him the way he treats the other characters in this film. The acting wasn't awful but it wasn't exactly great either. The soundtrack is weird but I suppose it fits the movie. If you like a meandering story with not much explanation and static shots of nature; you might actually enjoy this film. For me though, I just found it boring.

As an art film lover, you will surely enjoy "The Seeding". It is slow-paced, as is typical of art films, but that is part of its charm. The leisurely pace allows each viewer to form their own interpretation of the enigmatic story.

The main character can be irritating, but that is probably because he is meant to be. The film sound is fantastic and creates an excellent atmosphere. What's bad is that I saw the end of the film, already in the middle of it. It is also a pity that the lives of those who live above pit are not shown. Overall, "The Seeding" is a solid one-time watch film, that will keep you thinking and interpreting long after the credits roll.