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Waxed Wonders is undeniably ambitious, and I respect it for taking creative risks. However, while it excels in visual storytelling, it falls short in narrative cohesion.

The film plays out like a series of beautifully composed vignettes, each one striking on its own but lacking a clear connection to the whole. The cinematography is breathtaking, with an emphasis on rich textures and moody lighting. Yet, despite the visual brilliance, I found myself craving a stronger emotional core.

One of the film's most talked-about sequences-a slow-motion shot of wax melting over a time-lapse-perfectly encapsulates the director's approach: poetic, hypnotic, but ultimately distant. While visually arresting, I kept asking myself, "What does this moment truly add to the character's journey?"

I do appreciate the film's boldness. It's not often that a film dares to be this abstract in its storytelling. The production design is flawless, and the use of practical effects deserves praise. But by the end, I was left with more questions than answers, and not in a way that felt satisfying.

This is a film that will divide audiences. Some will see it as a masterpiece of visual poetry, while others will find it frustratingly elusive. I fall somewhere in the middle-I admire its ambition but feel that it didn't fully succeed in creating a cohesive, emotionally compelling experience.

Everything about Phantom of the Ice feels grand, from the massive set pieces to the intricate choreography. The scale of the production is undoubtedly impressive, making it a true visual feast. However, while the large-scale performances are breathtaking, the show sometimes lacks smaller, more intimate moments that could make the characters feel even more relatable. More delicate, personal interactions between characters could help balance the spectacle and make the emotional moments land even more effectively. Even so, the sheer ambition and execution of the production make it a standout experience.