Hot Milk

I cant imagine how long will it take until we are free of all the marks that growing up left.

It seems inevitable to grow up whole and pure and lately i have been fighting the thought that some of my emotional issues are a result of them marks.

It's true and confirmed that them scars need to be taken care of or you will end up crippled.

Pain and suffering are as well inevitable, however they shall not take more than what they really weigh.

The movie is about all the family issues and how they can extend to generations.

It's wonderful if you are ready to fight these issues or if you already did, It's horrifying if you are still denying them.

A young woman and her wheelchair bound mother travel to Spain to seek treatment for the mother's possibly psychosomatic condition. Whilst there the daughter meets and starts a lesbian relationship with another young woman. Writer/director Rebecca Lenkiewicz's 2024 feature film adaptation of Deborah Levy's novel is, one assumes, a partly symbolic relationship drama about families and memories and the marks they leave, both physical and otherwise. An Anglo/Greek co-production with Greece standing in for Spain, it's a fairly restrained drama about coping with pain and loss, and forms of entrapment, with it's share of physical manifestations - wheelchairs, jellyfish marks. Although not too bad it could be a hard sell to a mass audience.

After the credits roll, Hot Milk leaves you with the strange taste of over-boiled milk-bitter and lacking something essential.

*** The protagonist's journey is shaped by her interactions with those around her, particularly in her tumultuous relationship with her mother and her complicated love life.

Yet, despite these emotional dynamics, the film feels disjointed, as if the narrative lacks a clear purpose.

The script, unfortunately, falls short. Information is doled out sparingly, making the plot feel underdeveloped. Potentially intriguing parallel stories are introduced but never fully explored. The ending, too, seems forced, attempting to provoke an emotional response but ultimately feeling hollow.

*** On the bright side, the film benefits from a strong performance from Irish actress Fiona Shaw, whose portrayal brings depth to her character. Additionally, the photography shines, with stunning shots of the Mediterranean sun and sea.

Hot Milk is a film that truly shines when it comes to its visual storytelling. The cinematography is one of its strongest assets, with a variety of creative shots and angles that draw the viewer in and create a unique atmosphere throughout. While the storyline can be a bit odd and at times even confusing, the film's visuals do a lot to clarify the emotions and themes at play. The director's use of imagery often speaks louder than the dialogue, making the film feel more like an experience than a straightforward narrative. Although the plot sometimes meanders and leaves questions unanswered, the strong visual direction keeps things interesting and engaging. The performances are solid, and the mood is consistently intriguing, even if the story doesn't always make perfect sense. Overall, Hot Milk is a film that's worth watching for its artistic approach and memorable style, earning a solid 7 out of 10 stars.

I was enticed to see this film because I saw the cast and read the synopsis, and i knew it was based upon the book with the same title. I should note that I've not read said book, but others by the author, and greatly appreciate her style, and her ability to create vivid characters and explore complex relationships/human emotions.

The reviews I glanced at prior to going in were pretty negative, and most seemed unimpressed. This made me a bit worried (I had invited a friend and I so hate feeling like I'm putting someone else through a bad film!), and prepared me, perhaps, to be disappointed by a film I had been positively anticipating.

However, Hot Milk oozes atmosphere, and the performances were excellent. I don't understand how a film with this level of acting and cinematography (even if the story itself isn't to someone's taste) can be given a score below 5/10?!?!? Fiona Shaw is outstanding at embodying a deeply damaged, infuriating, and toxic mother/woman. Whilst Emma Mackey nails her role as the pent up, understandably resentful, manipulated young women, who is stiffled by her mother's unresolved trauma.

This is a film that made me feel a lot. It had themes that resonated, and I felt the intensity that Lenkiewicz's directing and writing conjured up.

I understand that this is not going to appeal to those who like a film that has a story with a clear trajectory set out. This film does require patience and concentration and openness. But it rewards those who emotionally invest and commit (I think, anyway!?). I hope more people give this a chance and ignore the critics. I think it will be elevated in estimation when it's audience find it. I hope so.