Oktober November

I saw this film at the Rotterdam film festival (IFFR) 2014. A family drama with many ingredients (maybe too many) with ample skeletons in the closet and some axes to grind too. Overall result could be improved by trimming some parts, especially the introduction of the main characters. This trimming suggestion does not so much apply to the scenes where both sisters are waiting around a death bed, since I find it portrayed very well (been there, done that). I can imagine, however, that some people find it a bit too slow and tedious. But it is a perfect moment to relive old (possibly sour) things that happened many years ago.

The respective introductions of the two sisters and their respective working environments is well intended, perfectly illustrating the enormous differences, possibly to be construed as something that created a unsurmountable gap between them. A problem is that the introductions cannot be appreciated to their full potential for those who did not read the synopsis beforehand, and thus remain unaware for too long a time of the three main characters (two sisters, and one father) with equal importance for the plot. Similarly, the autumn-related film title is a nice find, but is lost on the average viewer without a proper hint. Anyway, these remarks are only included here as a heads up for future viewers, and not intended to be condescending about the fine end product.

All in all, perfectly acted and shot, making good use of the landscapes around the parental hotel. Not all festival visitors were that positive, as it ranked an average 75th place (out of 200) for the audience award.