Beginning

The male narrative turned Medusa into a monster, while in her Greek origin she was a muse. For Yana's husband, rape implies a certain acceptance. This masculine reading marks the path of an uncomfortable, claustrophobic film that seems to expel the viewer but in reality traps him in its static, rigid planes. And in his splendid use of the off-camera, where that which threatens the main image seems to be. Splendid example of a thoughtful cinema.

Uncomfortable to watch almost throughout with an underlying tension, like a low sustain. It's shot in a fairly unique, beguiling and beautiful style. The lead actress especially acts with incredibly rawness, fitting with the inherent rawness of the film. A hard to watch artistic film and maybe not for everyone, but it has stuck with me.

Well made, realistic movie that does at times feel a little bloated. Like did we really need to watch her sleep in the forest for like 10 minutes? But it did exhibit a high-level of craft, and when things actually DO happen it's genuinely shocking, even riveting. Kinda slow for comic book, CGI loving "American audiences". But I don't think the filmmaker minds that one bit.

NB I saw this on MUBI, which currently tacks on a 30min Q&A between the director and Luca Guadagnino - who was chair of the jury that awarded this film so richly. Without going too much into spoiler territory, this Q&A is very interesting, and the director very thoughtful, lively and entertaining.

As for the film, I found it very engaging, if slow. The lead actor's performance is the main draw, and IMHO she does an excellent job of quietly demonstrating the inner turmoil that grows in reaction to her situation at the beginning of the film, and the shocking events during the narrative.

The use of the fable of Abraham and Isaac at the beginning is key, I think, although perhaps I'm reading too much into it?

Worth a look though.

I guess every country audience has to watch these movies before they get to good movies. 4: 3 format, very long sequences, very experimental, why?