Grimossfer
Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%
KnotStronger
This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.
Sarita Rafferty
There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.
Kinley
This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows
The Movie Diorama
Directorial debut, producer, writer and leading actress. Asensio delivers a contemporary thriller utilising desperation as its thoroughly constructed buildup to its uneasy conclusion. What I will say, for the very first time, is that I leapt up from my sofa exclaiming "Nooo no no I can't do this!" and hid behind it with fear. Whether or not the same effect will occur to you depends on what conjures up your trepidation. As I write this, my skin is tingling with anxiety...it was that powerful. An immigrant who moves to New York to chase the "big dream" rapidly discovers that the idyllic lifestyle isn't so easy to achieve, thus resorting to desperation to earn money. Asensio's stripped back simplicity allows the dialogue to remain prominent throughout. Whilst it may lack sharpness and astute vocabulary, it does remain natural. Brave long takes of conversational pieces that slowly manifest into dread. In the back of your mind, you know something is going to happen...you just don't know what. Fear of the unknown is a commanding tool, and Asensio masterfully manipulates this concept to create a memorable thriller. Purposely avoiding the cynical issue of immigration was necessary to avoid being biased, and I appreciate that. It's not so much a character piece, but more of an event perspective where we follow the character of Luciana for just one day. Much like the thematic narrative, she remains unknown to us. Whilst I do appreciate the ambiguity, crucial back story elements needed more exploration in order to enhance the emotional investment of Luciana. This becomes apparent during the unspeakable final act. Honestly, I'm surprised I didn't have nightmares or violently vomit from anxiety. Powerful, just pure visceral imagery. Acting was solid all round and the casting of unknown stars elevated the natural environment even further. Will this appeal to everyone? Not at all. A slow contemporary independent thriller that relishes in its occasional pretentiousness. But what a payoff!
jasondwight-45527
Absolutely boring as hell. Rated an 18 but god knows why!! Kept waiting for something to happen. In about the last 15 minutes it gets as exciting as the film gets but even that's a stretch. I honestly wouldn't bother as nothing really actually happens.
westsideschl
The ending, last few minutes, was quite different than the entire rest of the movie. Up to the ending we have to endure a not so likeable female Russian (?) immigrant trying to earn enough money to pay the bills. Nothing so interesting until the end when she's given a chance to earn a few thousand for a night's work. So now we're down to the final 10 min. and it just in the final two or so that we see the task. Actually, kind of dumb, and not so believable. Not a movie I'll remember in a week or so.
omendata
Very slow buildup - should have been an episode of the Dark Mirror or a horror anthology not a full movie as there is no character development or any real story development.The end though does hold some suspense and has an interesting denouement but its only an average movie to pass your time and it won't set your world alight.