#Beings

This slow building film explores the strange relationship between three people, as well as their relationship to the spiritual. I found myself pulled into an enveloping mood of inner torture. There is a secret horror film brooding in the background here, thanks to some mysterious characters and an excellent soundtrack, which even includes howling dogs at one point. This creates an interesting cognitive disconnect, as the movie isn't really a horror film in the conventional sense of the genre, but one about the horrors of being in the world, with other beings.

I really loved the slow pacing of the movie, as it was perfect for the type of questions being asked by the film. The camera lingers on the three main characters just long enough to be uncomfortable, then it lingers even longer. This is very much a movie about deep watching, even meditation. I found myself glued to every tiny movement, every twitch, look, and expression on the character's faces for clues into their relationship. The long pauses and silences were very effective at bringing this about, and told more than dialogue would have.

I watched this movie as a poem, a poetic exploration of the irrational forces that drive us, and as such it was very powerful. However, I wish there was more of a balance or contrast in tone. I longed for something pedestrian or inconsequentially human as relief from the heaviness. In a way, its strength may also be its weakness. The movie seemed to have established a mood a little too well, and without any lighter moments, it became one extended musical note, getting more and more intense until the end.

I was quite surprised to find out that this movie had no budget, since it looks and sounds fantastic, and is very well acted. The last scene in particular is gorgeous.