Todas as Estradas de Terra têm Gosto de Sal

When creating a film that's best described as experimental, ambition goes a long way toward the fulfillment of that goal. However, it's not enough to carry the project if it doesn't have something meaningful or profound to say in the end product, and that, unfortunately, is what's missing from the premiere effort from poet Raven Jackson in her writing/directing feature debut. This offering is perhaps best characterized as a visual tone poem examining the decades-long life of an African-American woman in rural Mississippi from childhood to becoming a grandmother. It's light on narrative and seeks to tell its story visually, relying more on showing than telling, a noble undertaking, to be sure. Nevertheless, the picture leans on its imagery so heavily that it often fails to convey anything of real substance, despite its visual beauty and some obviously heartfelt sequences in which the principals' emotions are indeed palpable and affecting. In between, though, the sequences begin to feel padded after a while, striving to capture profound insights through events that are too innately incidental to express anything truly enlightening, reflective or philosophically rich. Instead, it offers viewers a biographical look at one individual's ties to the people, places and everyday events that made up her life, a depiction that, regrettably, plays more like a home movie with arthouse treatment. This is perhaps best exemplified by a nearly 10-minute sequence of a hug that, frankly, grows stunningly tedious in far less time than that. I suspect that these shortcomings probably arise from the filmmaker being too close to her own subject matter, given that many of the characters in this story are based on the lives of people from her own family and ancestors. Those elements may be deeply moving to her, but they don't translate into material that would mean much to those outside her own immediate circle. With that said, however, this release is not without its merits, most notably its gorgeous cinematography and beautiful original score. Beyond that, though, "All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt" is likely to try the patience of many viewers, including those willing to give a chance to its attempt at an alternative inventive approach. This truly feels more like a film or art school project than something that would appeal to even the most ardent of diehard open-minded cinephiles. And that's unfortunate, because I'm sure there's an interesting story buried somewhere within this material. Sadly, it never surfaces but remains camouflaged in its own artistic trappings.

Raven Jackson's All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt is a cinematic experience that demands immersion. Every frame is a deliberate brushstroke, from the delicate details of Mack's grandmother's earrings to the sun-kissed texture of her braided hair. The rhythmic symphony of crickets, birdsong, and rumbling thunder serves as a soundtrack to the joys and sorrows of life in rural Mississippi.

Jackson's camera lingers on everyday gestures, weaving a tapestry of a vibrant community where culture sings through church hymns and shared laughter. The film transcends simplistic labels, embracing both joy and pain, prolife and prochoice, in its exploration of humanity's yearning for something greater. It's a love letter to Black history and resilience, whispering untold stories through the rustle of leaves and the intricate patterns of braided hair.

More than just a movie, All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt is a sensory journey that will leave you swept away by its vivid portrayal of a rich culture, its unflinching honesty about life's struggles, and its ultimately hopeful message about the shared human spirit. This is a film that lingers in the mind and heart long after the credits roll, leaving you breathless with the desire to connect with your own story, your own people, and your own yearning for a brighter tomorrow.

Just quietly, I loved this film, intimate, slow and immersive, this film tells the lives of a family of Southern women through close ups of their bodies and the landscape they inhabit. There is almost no traditional narratives, but through a sequence of images women learn and grow from each other and the men and the landscape around them, they fish, dig in the earth, fall in love, give birth and raise children, all to the sound of falling in rain, the rhythms of the earth and relationships growing deeper. One qualification, it needs to be seen in the cinema and as the audience behind me said 'it just lowers your pulse rate'

I just couldn't for the life of me understand why the director would choose to shoot most, if not all, scenes in such a close up fashion. And then have that very annoying cricket sound in the background of almost all the scenes. It was soooooo irritating. Then you have scenes where no word is spoken for so long, you thought the movie had ended. Then you had the non-lineal approach which just made things worse. Half the time you don't know what you are watching because of the useless close ups and then half the time, you didn't know what's going on because no one is saying anything. Ridiculous.

Saw this at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival

"All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt" is a story about a decades-spanning exploration of a woman's life in Mississippi and an ode to the generations of people, places, and ineffable moments that shape us. This is an A24 project and the film contains very little dialogue throughout the film. While the film does have it's uneven moments when it came to pacing, the film still worked because of the poetic style narrative, beautiful visuals and the performances from the cast members. Director Raven Jackson clearly showcases her talents when it comes to visual storytelling as she was able to capture the Mississippi lifestyle for black individuals.

Throughout, the film has gorgeous camerawork as shots of homes, the woods, the environment and community feels nature and realistic. Many of the color patterns and sound designs were great as it reminded me of some Terrence Malick and Andrei Tarkovsky style of filmmaking. Many of the performances were pretty good particular a scene where two individuals were confronting each other regarding with loss and sadness.

The structure of the film is non-linear storytelling and Jackson does a pretty good job on structuring the story to become interesting. Although there were some pacing issues halfway as certain moments felt like they drag a little too long. The characters while have their charm, some of the character could have been focused and developed more and some dialogue moments did feel a little awkward at times. But those problems didn't fully affect the experience of watching this because of Jackson's visual storytelling and direction helps the film to become engaging.

This isn't a film for everyone as many will find it be very boring. It's more of an art house piece and I frankly enjoyed it. It's not the best film from A24 but undeniably beautiful.

Rating: B.