Primordial Ties

Strange movie with a very hard to describe aura, like something out of the distant past, but still very familiar because it is set in our very ordinary, simple world. Its a dreamlike story (like Cocteau) of a young woman who is not really sure who she is or where she came from. Lead actress (Stephanie Sobocon) is beautiful, perfect as someone who might not be fully human, but still struggles with her identity, emotions and sexual awakenings. Her father is also effective with a very vague and slightly sinister qualities. Cinematography is excellent, the sort of hazy and expressive camera-work you really don't see anymore in this age of digital video. Editing is hypnotic and moves the story along in a way that is really subtle and smart. Definitely one of the more interesting films that I saw at the festival in Rotterdam, and to my surprise, it comes from Canada, a country I don't connect with this sort of cinema. Hope to see more from this director.

This was not a film so much as a blatant disregard for any audience. I thought the following comment, found on another reviewer's post and supposedly by the director himself, was all too true:

"Just accept the fact that I aimed high with this project and didn't make the film for someone like you in mind. "

I'd recommend the director work on his aim (and grammar) as well as acknowledge the fact that he brought his icky creation to life with no regard for any future audience. This was a one man show in every sense--selfishly written, directed and edited by the same person, it's no wonder this attempt is so painfully static. Perhaps in the future this filmmaker will solicit the help of other, like-minded artists to help round out his work. He may find himself with a warmer reception and spending less time on the defensive.

That said, the lead was beautiful, it's true. I would love to see her in another project as it was hard to gauge her range in just this one. She was particularly genuine when working with her on-screen father/creator and interacting with the baby, near the end. Will we see more from her?

I caught this film entirely by chance while attending the Rotterdam film festival. Admittedly, I knew nothing of the filmmaker or cast, but the premise as written in the festival guide seemed interesting enough for me to take a chance. Seeing the film, however, was an altogether different experience that any degree of description couldn't have prepared me for. The 'coming-of-age' plot scenario is a bit of a distraction for what was in essence a devastating emotional and intellectual reflection on identity, existence and immortality. The only drawbacks are some spotty performances in the minor roles, and the fact that it was apparently produced on a very low budget. One can only imagine how much more it would have been with greater resources at its disposal. Nonetheless, this is a well-crafted and magical film that certainly transcends its limitations, and the sort that will definitely divide its audience -- hopefully in favour of those more inclined to provocative, poetic and intelligent cinema. Highly recommended.