Review of Aniara (2019) by Nvmb3Rth30Ry — 28 Jul 2019
Aniara is first of all, a well crafted, beautifully shot and executed human drama. It is deliberately slow, allowing its interrelationships to unfold organically, but with a solid realism. Thus, it is not for everyone, and its pace will frustrate many.
The film is rendered in an intriguing dichotomy: on the one hand, absolutely gritty realism almost to a documentary-level precision. On the other, much of what is has to say (perhaps in keeping with its poetry source) is done via symbolism.
I'm not sure whether the grit and realism works in favour of revealing the symbolism or against it: one gets caught up in the visceral images and only after, on reflection and analysis, does the symbolism become apparent.
The story reveals the full range of human emotions, limitations and extreme behaviours that may emerge under prolonged stress. The filmmakers are unafraid to go anywhere in their depiction of this situation and this is a credit to them.
It is a hell of a ride through many layers of existential angst, and the grim tone seldom relents. The film's special effects are satisfactory rather than spectacular, for they are not the point... this is not '2001', it is a story about human life.
Recommended, for a mature and thinking audience.
This review of Aniara (2019) was written by Nvmb3Rth30Ry on 28 Jul 2019.
Aniara has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
