Catching Dust

This film was a 2024 sleeper. Really taut psychological thriller with incredible performances (especially Moriarty and Courtney) and impeccable filmmaking.

Stuart Gatt is one to watch - is such an accomplished debut. The visual choices, camera movements and the performances he's extracted from actors I'm not usually fans of is really impressive.

The cinematography was stunning too. It seemed obviously shot on 35mm and I researched to confirm it. It felt like a 90s film in many ways.

May present as a cliched western thriller but is far from it, is intelligent and nuanced.

A felt the film's tension suffered in certain moments otherwise would've given a 10.

A story where perfect mirages takes a deadly physical neighbourly intrusive form. A couple's resentment gets unearthed by the brutal winds of change. Couple of messengers are a mirage he draws same as distressed housewife and she plants and keen on sustenance as the lonely hunter does, it's the perfect storm in the calm deserted hideout. Like the growing kettle of vultures the visuals are rich with symbolism. Great tone of colours fixing the audience on what's to be seen in every frame. Great audio effects. Perfect work by the cast portraying the emotions. A slow burning thriller that has the right amount of triggers to keep the audience hooked.

Stuart Gatt's stunning directorial debut "Catching Dust" captivates from start to finish. Set against breathtaking desert landscapes, the film's cinematography is extraordinary, capturing both vast expanses and intimate moments with equal brilliance.

The pacing is impeccable, allowing the central mystery to unfold with perfect timing. Each revelation feels both surprising and inevitable, building tension masterfully throughout.

The entire cast delivers remarkable performances, but Erin Moriarty truly shines. Her range is astonishing - effortlessly shifting between comedy and heartbreak, all while maintaining a flawless accent. Her romantic scenes particularly showcase her versatility and emotional depth.

With its thoughtful storytelling, visual splendor, and outstanding performances, "Catching Dust" announces Gatt as a formidable filmmaking talent. This is confident, captivating cinema that lingers long after viewing - an exceptional achievement for a debut feature.

Incredibly powerful writing, masterful cinematography and an incredible cast. In particular, Erin's characterisation was flawless. I had the pleasure of watching this in theatres, the employment of 35mm I felt added another level of artistry. Every shot, a considered piece of art in itself. The desert (not just the setting) felt like an additional cast member, personified almost, adding to the mood. I loved that there were no cliche's for this type of film, leaving the western/desert tropes in the past, especially with the score.

Would love to know what happened with the tortoise though? Can we get a tortoise spin off? Haha

For a debut feature from Stuart Gatt, I take my hat off to you. Really looking forward to discovering what his next project will be.

I don't know why people are so disappointed with this one. Compared to other movies that came out that year, it is amazing. It kept my attention throughout. I didn't even go for a toilet break...and I generally rarely ever watch drama. Amazing cast and great acting. As someone who mostly watches adventure, sci-fi and action, it was a refreshing movie. I understand that new generations of viewers constantly seek thrills and action, but sometimes it doesn't have to be the case. Sometimes, we can just immerse ourselves in someone else's story and try to understand the struggles of simple people. It doesn't always have to be blood, gore and thrills. Sometimes movie can be realistic. 10/10 for me.