High Maintenance

Fascinating, funny look at what makes up a modern relationship. Wonderfully directed by Phillip Van, and nicely written by Simon Biggs, 'High Maintenance' proves more successful at entertaining the viewer in an intelligent fashion than most feature films. We see Jane (Nicolette Krebitz) and Paul (Wanja Mues) celebrating an anniversary of the two being together. Paul however is distant, thinking more about his job than about Jane. Jane is dissatisfied with Paul, who won't even have a glass of wine as he has to work early the next morning. Jane has had enough, and feels that the time is ready to find a new man, one who loves her more than his career. Van and Biggs play with the idea of the 'perfect' relationship beautifully, showing how a lot of people concentrate on the perfect job, the perfect house, the perfect man/woman, but never on the small, personal details and human emotions that truly bring two people together. We feel we can change partners like we change shoes, or cars, or TVs. Both Krebitz and Mues are excellent, playing their roles with a terrific satirical edge. The cinematography (by Felix Novo de Oliveira) is also a stand-out. Can Mr Van please now make a feature film, hopefully teaming up again with Mr Biggs.