John y el hoyo

JOHN AND THE HOLE is a fascinating look into the feeling of nothingness, and existence without empathy. "What does it feel like to be an adult," asks John, because he just can't imagine living that long. A strange tale of swapping power dynamics and unexpected connection, when the film is good, it's great. It's hard not to feel held at arm's length, however, wanting to embrace what's happening but not being fully able to. It's the small, almost missable, moments that are the most chilling. But it's a little too hollow at its core. Charlie Shotwell impressively intimidates, while Taissa Farmiga shines in a limited role.

This film is a disappointing example of an intriguing premise, good acting, good cinematography, and strong sound design and score not adding up to anything worthwhile. The sum is much lesser than its parts.

I am also disappointed in the writing, as Giacabone penned both Birdman and Biutiful, two astoundingly original film concepts. I suppose the difference here is that, instead of a master like Innaritu at the helm, we have first-timer Pascual Sisto who is more interested in mood and pastiche than creating a cohesive experience. Haneke or Lanthimos this ain't, and it's heavy borrowing from each winds up getting in the way of what could have been a more interesting film.

I am sure that on second viewing, one might peel back another layer or two, but I don't feel the desire. I may check out Sisto's next project, but this one was kind of a bust for all of its technical achievement.

I have said this review doesn't contain spoilers but I guess by me saying it's absolute tripe I may have lied.

Utter garbage and totally pointless.

I mean he didn't kill any animals, so that's great. But yeah this movie is not thrilling at all (the genre is there for some reason..). It's a slow-burn drama about a kid who is "different". He asks questions and wants to know why and what or how things are. He is curious but devoid of emotion or compassion. The movie itself is like I wrote in the title, a study and a pretty lame one at that, but still overall is pretty interesting. The atmosphere is the same as the main character, so as the soundtrack. I didn't get the ending or the other story in the movie. Though I overstand the idea and meaning of the movie, because it has an underlying message about families. I don't really recommend this movie to watch in cinema or if you have something better to see, only if you have nothing and/or are depressed and want to turn your brain off. Because yeah, the dialogues in the movie are so fking bland and boring.

I don't know how I made it through til the end?

In an attempt to create mood and atmosphere the creators decided to minimise dialogue, add dreadful music with sombre characters who nobody would care about.

Avoid this movie is my recommendation.