The Burden of Nine Lives

I was looking for a movie to watch and saw this was available. From the synopsis it seemed interesting but boy oh boy....

The wooden acting, horrible special effects make up, this movie looks and feels like it was filmed by movie students. I can't even find a review of it on rotten tomatoes. Even the Instagram profile comments look like bots and paid shills.

The other reviewers on here must be paid shills. I'm not even sure how it won so many awards. I will rate it at 3 stars because I know how hard it is to make a film, but other than that it's bland. Oh and don't get me started on the two detectives.

I wasn't sure what I was in for with The Burden of Nine Lives, but it turned out to be one of those rare films that sits with you for days, echoing long after the credits roll. It's quiet, slow-moving, but so emotionally packed and layered with meaning. The lead performance is strong and subtle-there's a lot being said in silence, through glances and restrained gestures.

It's not an easy watch if you're looking for something upbeat or fast-paced, but if you appreciate introspective films that carefully explore what it means to carry guilt, face the past, and try to move forward, this one's absolutely worth your time. The visuals are stunning in a quiet, contemplative way-nothing showy, but deeply intentional and poetic in how they frame each moment.

Okay so, I watched The Burden of Nine Lives because a friend wouldn't shut up about it-and I'm still not sure I "got it," but I kinda loved it? It's weird, emotional, super slow at times, but there's something magnetic about it. The main guy is either losing his mind or finding himself-I still don't know-but it kept me hooked. The music was haunting in a cool way, and visually it's gorgeous. Like, some scenes could literally be paintings. It has this dreamlike flow that sucks you in, even if nothing big is happening. I wouldn't recommend it for a movie night with snacks and laughs, but if you're in a quiet, moody vibe-go for it.

Props to Vega Montañez-this is a director who clearly has a vision. The Burden of Nine Lives isn't trying to be flashy or mainstream, and that's what makes it work. The film feels personal and intentional, like every scene was carefully thought out. There's a quiet intensity in the storytelling that pulls you in without forcing it. Sure, it might not be for everyone-it's more of a slow, layered burn-but Montañez keeps things grounded and real. Honestly, I'm curious to see what he does next.

The performances feel natural, like these are real people dealing with real consequences, not just actors reading lines. The pacing might throw some viewers off, but I appreciated how it took its time. There's confidence in that-like Montañez knows exactly what kind of story he's telling and isn't trying to rush or simplify it. It's the kind of film that rewards you for paying attention, and you can feel the emotional tension simmering just under the surface. It's low-key powerful, and I respect that a lot.

The Burden of Nine Lives is a contemplative and emotionally layered film that delves into the psychological aftermath of regret. Vega Montañez directs with a steady, restrained hand, allowing the narrative to unfold at a deliberately slow pace. The protagonist's journey is nuanced and believable, avoiding melodrama in favor of subtle realism.

The film's visual tone-a muted, almost washed-out palette-reflects the inner bleakness of the main character, while the sound design reinforces the sense of isolation and internal chaos. Though not traditionally plot-heavy, it compensates with atmosphere and emotional depth. This is a film best appreciated with patience, and one that rewards thoughtful viewers looking for something beyond conventional storytelling.