This film is one of the best I have seen for a long, long time. A truly surprising gem. The acting is outstanding: Matthew MacFayden is utterly superb in his role as Paul Prior a jaded war photographer embroiled in emotional drama, most of it painful, when he returns home to his native New Zealand for his father's funeral - his performance here is heart-wrenching, yet under-stated. He is surely one of our finest actors working today. Emily Barclay is hugely impressive and extremely moving as Celia, the 16 year old girl he befriends. Their relationship is touching, beautifully drawn - even though Paul is weighted with the possibility that things are not what they seem.
The narrative flow of the film is well-controlled; it's a complicated and suspenseful plot, but handled deftly, and skilfully paced. Some concentration is required as the film does not plod through plot in a linear fashion, but juxtaposes scenes, juggles time-schemes - but the rewards repay the effort in keeping track 100-fold; if only for the final scene which is all the more moving for it.
The look and feel of the film is realistic - a cinematographic blend of gritty greys and blues, offset by luminous pools of spotlight colour. It is gorgeously photographed: The passing of time as depicted by an avenue of trees, moving from blossom to snowfall; the stunning landscapes - courtesy of New Zealand's immense natural splendour - provide backdrops which are both eye-catching but often appropriate too; even the grimy intimacy of the father's den. The soundtrack also warrants mention as music is used to excellent effect throughout.
All in all a staggeringly beautiful, wonderfully-written film with gloriously strong acting performances. 10/10
The narrative flow of the film is well-controlled; it's a complicated and suspenseful plot, but handled deftly, and skilfully paced. Some concentration is required as the film does not plod through plot in a linear fashion, but juxtaposes scenes, juggles time-schemes - but the rewards repay the effort in keeping track 100-fold; if only for the final scene which is all the more moving for it.
The look and feel of the film is realistic - a cinematographic blend of gritty greys and blues, offset by luminous pools of spotlight colour. It is gorgeously photographed: The passing of time as depicted by an avenue of trees, moving from blossom to snowfall; the stunning landscapes - courtesy of New Zealand's immense natural splendour - provide backdrops which are both eye-catching but often appropriate too; even the grimy intimacy of the father's den. The soundtrack also warrants mention as music is used to excellent effect throughout.
All in all a staggeringly beautiful, wonderfully-written film with gloriously strong acting performances. 10/10