Signs of Life

Beautifully paced and acted, room for the entire humanity of it all, space for everything. This movie is a classic in understatement and beauty. The location (volcanic emptiness), the score, and, above all the acting of the two protagonists, who deliver a tour de force in the full range of human emotions.

We were looking for a movie like that for quite some time now. What a nice surprise to find a story that is real, emotional and in it's simplicity, really incredible. The main actors did an amazing job bringing to life all the emotions, in life changing events, that can relate to any of us. With no surprise, it's becoming a well deserved collector of many awards.

Troubled mute Anne (Sarah-Jane Potts) travels to Lanzarote and meets troubled Bill (David Granly) and together they try to return to life. Actor Joseph Millson's 2024 feature film directorial debut (which he also wrote) is a no budget, very visual and minimalist drama, where you often have to join up the dots regarding the film's two main characters. Taking it's title from Werner Herzog's debut feature film, it is also set on an island (in this case a symbolic volcanic island), and is also about seething emotions and trying to return to life - whether from war in Herzog's film, or in this film from relationship traumas (breakup, bereavement). It's above all a feel film, with emotions (stated and unstated) at it's core, and showing (in it's understated way) how people cope with anger, grief and loss. Sharon Duce (who i remember with her partner Dominic Guard in the superb 'Absolution') has an amusing role as a cougar called Joyce.

A stunning film that navigates big themes-grief, trauma, anger and ultimately, kindness and human connection, with tenderness. The casting is sublime, stunning performances all round. It's heart-breaking, devastating, life-affirming and absolutely uplifting. See it, you'll be all the better for it. Congrats to all involved.

Please give me my 2 hours back... I see the symbolism and moments about human connection but literally NOTHING HAPPENS... it was the dumbest thing I have ever watched and I love movies about grief through metaphors etc but no climax or any even background character info to make the viewer attached or root for the characters...