Satisfaction

Burunova knows exactly what she's doing. She masterfully crafts a narrative that allows the story and performances to breathe, demonstrating a deep trust in the audience's ability to absorb the subtle nuances within each scene. Her direction builds tension effortlessly, creating an experience that is both gripping and immersive.

This is also one of the most gorgeous films I've seen in recent years. The cinematographer Máté Herbai elegantly carves with light and framing, capturing each moment with precision. His work beautifully complements the film's intimacy, enhancing its emotional depth and shifting moods.

I saw this film at SXSW yesterday and during opening remarks from the filmmaker to 'let the film slowly wash over you' could not have been more appropriate. The outline here on iMdB sets the outline of the plot so no reason to repeat this.

The cinematography, acting, location (as noted on Greek island), music are all top notch. To echo the filmmaker indeed this is a slow burn that as the film progresses you begin to ask the obvious, hum how will this end?

It is very hard to describe the underlying pain the main female character, Lola, is experiencing without giving more away but there is one critical scene where the emotions on her face say it all. For her sake I pray this was shot with minimal takes.

An explosion does finally come but is one of beauty so do let this film wash over you.

Satisfaction is a quietly magnetic film that pulses with emotional depth and artistic flair. Alex Burunova crafts a story that feels both personal and expansive, drawing you into moments that are at once raw, tender, and contemplative. With striking visuals and a poetic rhythm, the film doesn't rush to explain itself-it invites you to feel your way through it. The performances are subtle yet powerful, grounding the film's more abstract layers in genuine human emotion. It's the kind of story that leaves space for reflection and stays with you long after it ends. Amazing directing, actors and cinematography!

WOW. Satisfaction was so satisfying. The movie is set on the dreamy Greek islands where an emotional story unfolds about a woman named Lola, who's totally lost in her own world. There are themes of intimacy, identity, and creative silence, all with a bold, sensual edge. Emma Laird as Lola is amazingly subtle yet so powerful. The tension, the chemistry, and the way things spiral all feels so real and intense. The whole vibe of the film feels fresh and honest in a way you don't see often. It's bold, it's vulnerable, and it sticks with you. I'll be thinking about this movie for the rest of my life. Alex Burunova has a unique voice as a filmmaker. I can't wait to see what she dreams up next.

No over-explaining, no unnecessary exposition-just pure, confident storytelling. Burunova understands that cinema is at its most powerful when it allows the audience to engage, interpret, and feel without being spoon-fed. Instead of forcing explanations, she lets the story breathe, using atmosphere, glances, and unspoken moments to communicate just as much as-if not more than-dialogue ever could.

Many films fall into the trap of over-explaining their themes, afraid that viewers won't "get it" unless every detail is spelled out. Satisfaction takes the opposite approach, trusting that the audience will pick up on the subtleties-the shift in body language, the weight of a pause, the tension in a moment of silence. It's a refreshing and rare kind of filmmaking, one that rewards patience and attention to detail.