The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed

What a surprise! The second film by very talented Joanna Arnow (she edited, wrote, directed, and starred in the film) is a symphony of ambient shame, with movements centred on the different men that Ann, the protagonist, has varied-length and ambivalent relationships with. She manages to hit a range of painful notes in these movements, from ritualised abjection of sensual humiliation to cutting corporate indignities.

Extremely original, astute, truthful, and humorous. I adored how the openly sexual material contrasted with the visual aesthetic; it gave me the impression of the female gaze in action. In over 50 years of watching movies and writing reviews it is time to say: I've never seen a movie like this and I truly enjoyed it. Check it out if you enjoy subtle character development and deadpan humour...

This deadpan narrative from Joanna Arnow is a solid deadpan dramatic comedy about a detached character involved with a BDSM relationship and living the life with some interesting direction approaches, deadpan atmospheres, and a solid performance from Joanna herself.

The approach on how life is hard offered by Arnow's direction and approach is a bit strange but it's new level take does offer something special about the setting and concept. Including some dry humor dialogue, structure approaches and character conversations between the performances. Which is also provided by some solid performances from the cast members.

Because some of the writing and pacing is a bit too-slow, it causes the characters to feel distant to connect which at times, made them a bit frustrating to observe, in a not so good way. Nevertheless, I do look forward to see what Arnow could offer next.

What do we learn about the character from this film that we didn't know before? Not sure, except to say that she's moving through life not sensing like she's finding what she wants or is looking for. I'm not sure I've seen a sex comedy that was exclusively about sexual need and lack of fulfillment.

Joanna Arnow writes, directs, and stars in this. She's also frequently naked. Considering the description above you should understand the nudity is likely not present for titillation but to show the character putting herself out there for partners who don't anywhere near as vulnerable. The movie is about her dissatisfaction with everything despite her best efforts to change some things.

In that sense, I think it will be relatable to many. The fact it's not flashy and the performances are entirely of the natural, or subtle deadpan variety means it won't appeal to many. I found it quite funny but it took me some time to get a handle on her style which is described as 'mosaic' although I would have described them as a series of sketches as opposed to a linear narrative. I look forward to seeing more from Arnow if she continues to make movies.

This has been the worst movie I've seen so far. The camera work, the offbeat deadbeat delivery trying to be quirky, the lighting, nothing seems to fit.

The movie tries to convey how boring and dull life can be, and I guess I can see that, but the writing is very on the nose about it.

The acting kills me. People go to school for acting, and yet I see this film, where people talk like six graders so the viewer understands every word.

And then the mundane nonexistent storyline about a mundane life with weird nude scenes. It just finalizes this piece to something I'll definitely steer clear of. I'll probably won't give this director another shot, I'm sorry, you missed!

My advice: don't watch it!

P. S.: Apart from what Lena Dunham said or did in public, 'Girls' was a great show and this movie seemed like it tried so hard to copy that.

I was struck with the idea of this film from the moment I saw the ads for it via the Florida Film Festival. I was drawn in by the deadpanned comedic chemistry that was equal parts candid as it was daring. Joanna Arnow (the powerhouse whom wrote, directed, and starred in this film) pulls off all blinders to the core themes of this film: sexuality, emotional pining, complacency, honest candor, and a feeling that can only be truly described with the film's apt title.

From beginning to end, we explore only as much of our protagonist Ana's psyche that she allows us to see. Guarded, yet open, her interactions with those around her paint a portrait of indecision and a trajectory of her life that is in one way ambiguous, but also free. The comedic stylings are delivered in a way that isn't over the top, relying of smart dryness and offbeat humor - a refreshing element to a story like this.

At this film's core, we are given a person to observe, and not necessary one do applaud or boo. Her choices, relationships, and actions happen in a way that we can empathize with, even if her character who is one in no need of it. Even so, with this film's gut-punch conclusion, you find yourself deciding what you want for her. This is a stark reminder that we are not meant to predict or encourage any of her behaviors and hope for any specific outcome, and that what transpired in this story is deeply personal but inevitable and fated.

I don't think I've seen a film like this one, and I don't think I ever will again. It's hard to accurately describe the emotions I felt during this film. It is expertly crafted and full of the quiet vigor of a story begging to be absorbed and understood completely.