The Locarno Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Locarno, Switzerland. Created in 1946, at the height of the cultural wave of reconstruction in Switzerland the festival is aimed at offering a unique range of the best of national and international filmmaking. The 77th Locarno Film Festival's Pardo d'Oro, the top prize at the festival, was awarded to Saulė Bliuvaitė's "Toxic". While I did not attend the festival in person, I was fortunate enough to be sent digital screeners to cover it as a member of the press for the first time. I watched four different films that premiered at the 77th Locarno Film Festival, which I will be reviewing here! I hope you check out all these films when they release in the future!
Concorso Internazionale:
Film #1: The Sparrow in the Chimney (Der Spatz im Kamin)
"The Sparrow in the Chimney" is an intriguing film exploring a dysfunctional family filled with interesting personalities and drama that has developed throughout the years. Ramon Zürcher’s script slowly unravels the full picture of the family drama while building tension between the characters that increases throughout the film. Each of the relatives has this tension between each other, each with different views on life, which adds to the overall character development. One element that I thought was fascinating was at the end of the film when the brothers add a fantastical element to the story with multiple dreamlike sequences that are very effective to the story and themes in the film. Each of the performances within the ensemble is really good, especially Maren Eggert, who plays the matriarch of the family. The film does get bogged down at times by its pacing and the sheer number of characters that are introduced early on in the film. Overall, this film is an engrossing and fascinating psychodrama by the Zürcher brothers!
Review: 3.5/5 Stars
The Film is Still Seeking U.S. Distribution, International Sales: Cercamon
Film #2: Transamazonia
"Transamazonia" is a technically well-crafted film from the first minute until the credits roll. The cinematography by Mathieu de Montgrand and the editing work are top-notch, capturing the Amazon Rainforest in a beautiful way. The film is a mood piece that explores themes of godlike figures, colonialism, and the environmental connection between man and Mother Nature. The film is very effective as a mood piece, and the many technical elements on display immerse you in the Amazon Rainforest in a very intriguing way. Unfortunately, the screenplay is weak, with many narrative flaws and a lack of character development and depth between the two leads. The plot is filled with interesting themes and ideas, but most of it is sadly half-baked. Both lead performances by Helena Zengel and Jeremy Xido are also not particularly noteworthy. While there are many intriguing ideas and the direction by Pia Marais is promising, the film ultimately fails to deliver a very compelling story in the end.
Review: 3/5 Stars
The Film is Still Seeking U.S. Distribution, International Sales: The Party Film Sales
Film #3: Drowning Dry (Seses)- Won a Pardo for Best Direction and a Pardo for Best Performance (Given to the Ensemble)
"Drowning Dry" is such an interesting film given its narrative structure. The film uses ellipses and flashbacks as we, the audience, see slices of life from two sisters who experience a life-altering event. This film is a slow burn that slowly unravels its fragmented narrative in a subtle yet powerful way. Lithuanian director Laurynas Bareiša certainly knows how to direct a unique film! The whole ensemble cast does a really nice job as well, especially Gelmine Glemzaite and Agne Kaktaite, who play the sisters in the film. Some of the problems lie in the fact that the film skips around with its narrative structure and never fully gives time to connect deeply with the family and their situation. While the film is clearly unique in its structure, the film, for me, was too slowly paced at times, and the nonlinear narrative structure does hinder the emotional gravity sometimes as well. It’s a solid film, and I look forward to seeing what Bareiša tackles next! This is definitely one of the most uniquely directed films I have seen so far this year and one I would recommend checking out!
Review: 3.5/5 Stars
The Film is Still Seeking U.S. Distribution, International Sales: Alpha Violet
Film #4: By the Stream (Suyoocheon)- Kim Min-hee won a Pardo for Best Performance
"By the Stream" is my first introduction to director Hong Sang-soo, but it most certainly won’t be my last. This film marks his 32nd feature and, apparently, like many of his films, is very grounded and has captivating dialogue. Whether it is characters talking while eating what look like delicious meals or just talking while sitting on a bench, Hong Sang-soo makes it engaging and makes the audience invested in the film's story. The film is filled with different themes such as art, love, and more. The film is very intimate, as even the subtlest of details, such as the blocking of characters at the dinner table, speak volumes. Hong Sang-soo’s screenplay is enthralling, and while this is a very dialogue-heavy film, you constantly feel engrossed in each and every conversation. Also, the way the film is shot with a steady camera and little editing brings the film to life and adds a minimalist look and feel to the film overall. The performances by the whole ensemble are great, especially Kim Min-hee, who is the heart and soul of this film. This is a very great film by auteur director Hong Sang-soo that I would highly recommend checking out if you get the chance!
Review: 4/5 Stars (My Favorite of the Four Films)
U.S. Distributor: Cinema Guild, International Sales: Finecut
Want more Film Festival Coverage? Check out my 2024 Tribeca Festival, 2024 Cannes Film Festival & 2024 Philadelphia Film Society SpringFest Recaps Here:
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