'Saint Omer,' the narrative feature debut from Alice Diop, is a stunning legal drama that challenges our conceptions of the genre. Our review:
There are a lot of legal dramas out there. On television, this past year has seen great shows like Better Call Saul and ones that are less so like The Lincoln Lawyer. In film, there have been compelling works like Argentina, 1985 that effectively grounded themselves in history. All are built around the various dramas to be found in legal proceedings.
COLLIDER VIDEO OF THE DAY It all begins and ends with the story of Rama who awakens one morning after what seems to be a nightmare that carries a personal significance though may also be the painful memory of another. She is clearly frightened by it, though she attempts to push past it in order to continue on with her day. This becomes a recurring element in the story, as she is reticent to share herself and her life with her family.
Often feeling more like a play, outside the beginning premonition, there are no flashbacks to what happened. Instead, Diop draws us deeper into the world almost entirely via dialogue. In this, she relies on Malanda to give an understated yet unflinching performance. As every aspect of her character’s life is put under a microscope to poke and prod at, the manner in which she brings every line to life makes for a multilayered, uncompromising experience.
The moment is a painful one as she sees not just herself, but her own mother and life reflected at her. Though such sequences almost step away from the entire process, whose outcome feels all-but-certain, the humanity of it is what makes it no less harrowing. There is no mystery to be solved in this case and, perhaps more importantly, no sense that any of this is going to lead to justice.
Instead of said sweeping tale of justice prevailing that we’ve seen over and over, Saint Omer is more honest about what really happens and is all the more haunting because of it. We are immersed in a process that feels cruel without cause, brutal without purpose, and doomed to only create more injustice. This is precisely the point, as Diop creates an experience that feels most like her past documentaries in how it watches with a reserved yet reverential patience.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
French director Alice Diop’s ‘Saint Omer’ explores a mother’s unspeakable actThe film, shortlisted by the Academy Awards for consideration as best international feature, stars Guslagie Malanda in a story inspired by a real-life trial in France.
Baca lebih lajut »
Spellbinding 'Saint Omer' straddles truth, fictionWhat would possess a young mother to leave her 15-month-old daughter on a beach to die in northern France? A young, pregnant novelist becomes obsessed with this question and the trial of the accused mother in 'Saint Omer.'
Baca lebih lajut »
Anna Kendrick, star of 'Alice, Darling,' says past relationship led to 'emotional, psychological breakdown'Anna Kendrick told 'CBS Mornings' a past relationship she was in caused her to have a 'classic emotional, psychological breakdown.'
Baca lebih lajut »
How to Watch Kylian Mbappe With Paris Saint-GermainFrance’s Kylian Mbappé wasn’t able to bring home a second World Cup, but now has the chance to help Paris Saint-Germain win its second straight Ligue 1 title
Baca lebih lajut »
Marco Carola, Camelphat, Francesca Lombardo & Gordo Lead Lineup for Saint Martin’s SXM Festival 2023Marco Carola, Camelphat, Francesca Lombardo & Gordo are among performers at Saint Martin’s SXM Festival 2023!
Baca lebih lajut »