The Worst Film Ever

Fresh and Exciting

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Blistering performances.

With additional dialogue the entire complexion of the film would have changed. And as a matter of fact, from a couple of critic reviews, I had gone in thinking there was to be much less than there actually was. The natural sounds become much more noticeable and meaningful, and are a plus for enjoyment. Rea is one of today's great actors, and one of the few very recognizable names that when you see him on screen, he takes over his character and you then see less of 'him.' Verbeek was 27 at the time, having just graduated from theater-school a year earlier. She is remarkable and I'll seriously look forward to seeing her once again... same for the writer-director. It's a small, simple little little film, but you'll find yourself think about it long after viewing it... and it will never age.

This film directed by Urszula Antoniak is what I would call non-gimmicky non-formulaic independent film. It's basically a two person film with terrific laid back performances from Stephen Rea, a wonderful Irish actor, and Lotte Verbeek, a Dutch actress.Verbeek is mysterious drifter who comes upon Rea's isolated home on the Irish coast. At first, she is hostile to any interactions with him. However, over time in slow and subtle ways they begin to bond. It all leads to what I thought was a touching and appropriate ending.I found this to be a surprisingly quiet wonderful film. For those with no patience probably not the film for you.

The title intrigued me and to enhance my experience, I chose not to read the story-line beforehand. I was familiar with actor Stephen Rea but given the varied roles he's played in the past, it was not a factor for deciding to watch it or pass. Let it be a surprise was my thought, one which usually, as mentioned, enhances the experience; it did.I struggled to find meaning or understand what the movie was suppose to convey; it has minimal dialogue, no narration, thus I had to pay attention to every details for a glimpse of the idea. The location and beautiful scenery shots helped make it positive. All I came up with was a sense of something the actors and director projected by the simple flow of the story itself. What that sense was, I was not entirely sure or confident enough to write about it until after reading the full IMDb story-line and the reviews and critics from my usual sources. It was the reviews and in particular, the outline in Rotten Tomatoes that provided the solution to my equation.I read excellent descriptions and observations which corresponded to that sense of something I referred to. That something was two souls coming to an arrangement whereby the two key characters could live free in their respective and distinctly different way. Living together but 'Nothing Personal' despite the natural instinctual need to connect with one another, which urge they kept in check to the bitter end. Tempted as I may be to use some of the wording and comments from other reviewers, I would not; I avoid some insightful perspectives from fellow authors for the same reason. There is not an abundance of them so take the time to read a few; it should be worth your while.My conclusion is a comparison. Imagine going to your favourite art gallery or museum and spending time in the abstract sections, you can linger in front of a painting or sculpture that captures your attention. In some cases, you will purchase the piece if it is for sale and often you simply move on. Your reasons are simple; it calls to you or it does not sufficiently do so. This was the case for me and this movie; it did not sufficiently satisfy my taste. I commend those who voted high ratings as could only manage one that was I hope at least fair.

A very promising cinema debut. Though most of it is set on the Irish West coast, the whole film has an Eastern European feel to it: sparse dialog, little music, beautiful still shots of landscape and interiors and relentlessly grim weather. I don't find the choice of location at all artificial. If you want to get away from one of the most densely populated countries in the world on a budget, the West of Ireland doesn't seem such a bad choice.This is a film not so much about loneliness, but about being alone. While the female lead clearly had a very negative experience before the story begins (loss of a loved one or traumatic end of a relationship?), one senses that her being alone in this remote corner of Europe is something she deliberately chose and eventually prefers. It seems male viewers have problems with her arrogance and rudeness, while women (including yours truly) find her strong and full of character. Stephen Rea provides a perfect match for her impulsive behaviour and injects a gentle sense of humour. Fortunately their developing 'relationship' avoids romantic clichés.I like films that leave you guessing about the characters' inner thoughts, motives and actions. Combined with the powerful imagery, it makes this one linger in the mind long after the house lights have switched on. Although I found the last scene puzzling and out of place and while the storyline might have been tightened up here and there, I am certainly keen to see what Urszula Antoniak comes up with in her next project.