staceyjmadden

I saw this film at TIFF 2019. I didn't know what to expect going in, having never seen any of Malgorzata Szumowska's films. While I can understand that this film won't be everyone's cup of tea, I was mesmerized by the stunning visuals, the dreamlike atmosphere, and the slow-burn storytelling, all of which culminate in a violent but ultimately satisfying climax. Raffey Cassidy is excellent as the female lead, and Michiel Huisman, who I'm usually lukewarm on, does a surprisingly good job at playing a villain you love to hate. Over time, I can see The Other Lamb becoming a cult classic of sorts. And the film's final shot is one for the ages!

This is a good film that I suspect will live on as one of the most accurate depictions of what dating is like for millennials, particularly young men. Raw and brutal at times, soft and tender at others, it will speak directly to the heart of a certain kind of audience, therefore it is not for everyone.

Side note: how is Helen Rogers not a star yet??

I saw this film at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival, and director Laura Luchetti was present.

When I bought my ticket, I had no idea what to expect. I usually see 12 to 15 films over the course of the festival, and buy many of my tickets blindly. Twin Flower was one of those blind purchases. Good thing I did, because it was the best film I saw.

Luchetti adopts a visual style to tell a story about escape and belonging and what it means to want protection, or to provide it for someone else. The two main characters, played by non-actors, have incredibly good chemistry. The bathtub scene is one of the most erotic I've watched in many years. It is tastefully done, and incredibly sexy. During the Q&A after the screening, Luchetti told the audience that some of the scenes were not part of the original script, but just the characters improvising, and they turned out to be some of the most beautiful in the film. I hope this hidden gem gets the attention it deserves!