An Ambitious, Successful Film

Rating: 8/10 (26 September 2016)

The movie seemed to stay below the radar for many (including myself), prior to it's release and for most before its Oscar titles. Now out in the wild, the film deserves to be watched. As soon as the first scene unfolds movie magic is present. The single-shot style cinematography works for most of the film, only to break the ebb-and-flow of the movie periodically, trying to incite a more artful shot or an attempt at a comedic vibe in a scene. The acting is phenomenal, and each character seems deeply developed and fantastic to watch. The best part (and the reason why you need to watch this!) is figuring out the story, motives, characters and the themes of the movie. A lot of open-ended films make you feel frustrated but every now and again comes along an "Inception" or "Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)" and you're glad you don't have all the answers. There are parts of the movie that try a little to hard and insist upon itself, but never so bad to take away from the core experience. A terrific work of art!