Disturbingly brilliant film, thoughtfully narrating how men not only privatize and destroy nature, but imitate the powers of other animals to rule others. The film puts into perspective how much technological progress is a man-made imitation of God, portraying the Antichrist (Luzifer - the fallen Angel) laughing at him and mocking him.
A man in his thirties, innocent as a child and always obedient to his mother, lives apart from modern society with her in a remote hut in the Alps. An eagle, with its all-seeing eye, is his only faithful friend. As ski resort wants to be built on their land. They could be "rich," but they sense it is a trap and won't give it up at any price. And it gets veeery dark.. dark as in "you want it to end soon" type of film. It's enchanting and horrible.
The film juxtaposes religion as well as technology in a spiritual context as man-made constructs that have been modified to govern over others. A family obedient and devoted to the faith of Christ compete in a non-violent spiritual fashion against human-controlled drones - as in eagles without free will, with brainwashed men behind them, following their masters.
The film is about the constant cicle of abuse throughout the existance of the human being descending from a catholic hegemony. Furthermore portrayed by the reality of the world today, the film depicts a devine surrender to what you believe to be "true".
Although I've witnessed about 30 people walking out of the theatre while watching the films Premiere at the Locarno Film Festival, I feel that the film truly makes great way to generate some really interesting discussions with the audience, uncomfortable as they may be (even if you have them with yourself).
Ulrich Seidl has once again proven that he remained a producer (be it his movies or those of others) which makes films about real people and their real stories. Susanne Jensen (the mother) does a fantastic job in her role. Keep in mind that much of her personal life is fragmented in this picture.
Hats off to Franz Rogowski (main charcter), reminding me of Joaquin Phoenix in Joker as he owns his character so skillful and elgantly (he has an eagle for a friend most of the time).
A deeply poetic film that cripples the belief of our shared cloud of knowledge ( = the Internet ), questioning what we TRULY believe in ( as in our own higher "power").
