Satisfaction

WOW. Satisfaction was so satisfying. The movie is set on the dreamy Greek islands where an emotional story unfolds about a woman named Lola, who's totally lost in her own world. There are themes of intimacy, identity, and creative silence, all with a bold, sensual edge. Emma Laird as Lola is amazingly subtle yet so powerful. The tension, the chemistry, and the way things spiral all feels so real and intense. The whole vibe of the film feels fresh and honest in a way you don't see often. It's bold, it's vulnerable, and it sticks with you. I'll be thinking about this movie for the rest of my life. Alex Burunova has a unique voice as a filmmaker. I can't wait to see what she dreams up next.

Had the pleasure of seeing this film -- and hearing it -- at SXSW. It's a movie that stays with you, isn't afraid to trust the audience to go on the journey. The cinematography is stunning, unwavering and set up as if each shot is its own piece of art. The performances are commanding, patient and do not look away from the ugliest parts of ourselves. I think it could have so easily swung into the melodramatic or waring, but instead it is the restrained performances, particularly of Emma Laird who plays Lola, that carries us through. I want to spend a season on a Greek island like this one, but not like this. Will be watching again. Bravo.

Satisfaction is a quietly magnetic film that pulses with emotional depth and artistic flair. Alex Burunova crafts a story that feels both personal and expansive, drawing you into moments that are at once raw, tender, and contemplative. With striking visuals and a poetic rhythm, the film doesn't rush to explain itself-it invites you to feel your way through it. The performances are subtle yet powerful, grounding the film's more abstract layers in genuine human emotion. It's the kind of story that leaves space for reflection and stays with you long after it ends. Amazing directing, actors and cinematography!

Emma Laird is phenomenal. She doesn't perform so much as exist on screen - every glance, every pause, every shift in her body carries weight. There's a storm constantly building behind her eyes, and she somehow manages to hold it in without ever feeling distant. It's the kind of performance that pulls you in and quietly wrecks you.

Fionn Whitehead matches her with a kind of understated vulnerability that adds even more tension to their dynamic. The chemistry is raw, complicated, and at times hard to watch - in the best way.

And the ending? It leaves you with a knot in your stomach and a million questions. It's not about clarity - it's about sitting with the discomfort.

Alex Burunova is a filmmaker in full command of her voice - precise, fearless, and unafraid to live in the gray. Satisfaction doesn't offer closure - it offers honesty. And it stays with you.

Burunova knows exactly what she's doing. She masterfully crafts a narrative that allows the story and performances to breathe, demonstrating a deep trust in the audience's ability to absorb the subtle nuances within each scene. Her direction builds tension effortlessly, creating an experience that is both gripping and immersive.

This is also one of the most gorgeous films I've seen in recent years. The cinematographer Máté Herbai elegantly carves with light and framing, capturing each moment with precision. His work beautifully complements the film's intimacy, enhancing its emotional depth and shifting moods.