Review by bob the moo

A man is in an airplane when each passenger says something in a language other than English, then jumps out - leaving him alone in a plane without a pilot. This is the context-free opening scene of this short film, and it rarely gets explained more than this. The lack of understanding of the main character is the common theme though, and in essentially a silent film performance, Phil goes through the film not really understanding a word anyone says. It is a strong performance, and it needed to be because it carries the film by virtue of the viewer going along with him. He convinces as someone going with the flow best he can even if he doesn't understand - anyone who has travelled a bit will know that non-threatening smiling look of non-comprehension combined with pointing, gesturing, and facial expression of "oh, you mean this".

In itself this makes the film quite amusing and absurd; not perfect perhaps but certainly unusual and entertaining with it. There is another layer I think, even if Phil's experience is the thrust of it, the motivations and actions of others are also of consequence. The friendly man in the sauna who seems overly aggressive in the beating, even if overall he is helping Phil. The woman who technically leaves Phil in a state of peace and relaxation, even if he is not prepared to be able to sustain that. The men who pursue Phil with mean intent. It is hard not to ponder on these characters and think of the film as playing with the experience of the refuge arriving in a western country. Not to suggest the film has politics or points to make, but it makes it more interesting to view it in that context.

It will be an acquired taste though, mainly because it offers no narrative or context outside of whatever is in the moment, but it is handsomely made, technically impressive, and offers a strong lead performance in a film that intrigues and engages throughout - despite how very odd it is.