Review of A Bigger Splash (2015) by John M — 08 Jun 2016

Picturesque Italian scenery, lush cinematography, and just enough plot tension make A Bigger Splash watchable from start to finish, but the paint-by-numbers story and formulaic characters hold back the film from developing into anything more than eye candy. Director Luca Guadagnino knows how to film sexy and can make a movie look great, but writer David Kajganich doesn't provided a strong or believable enough story to support the sumptuous visuals. An accumulation of confusing and unnecessary plot points and a disjointed narrative leave the viewer feeling let down by the end of the film. The interjection of the politics surrounding refugees in Italy was an interesting and unexpected element, and Ralph Fiennes exuberantly dancing to Emotional Rescue by The Rolling Stones was goofy and charming.

The performances, cinematography, and direction are all first rate, but the script ultimately felt like a rough draft.