Review of Foxtrot (2017) by Alan W — 13 Oct 2017

Beginning with a knock on the door that no parents of soldiers would want to have, Samuel Maoz's new film examines and explores the cruelness in life that is caused by the absurdity of fate and the futility of war, as well as the devastating effect of loss in a simple story presented as a Greek tragedy in three acts.

Patience is rewarded here as the film moves at a pace best described as 'arthouse' but this in turn allows the audience to consider and reflect upon the allegorical themes behind the narrative whilst taking in and relish some of the best visuals I've seen this film festival.

Hauntingly beautiful imageries that stay with me and keeps me pondering long after the screening. It would not be an understatement to say that the cinematography in this film - the claustrophobic framing, the aerial shots as if looking down from heaven above and the poignant movement of the camera - is an integral part of the narrative that communicates and illuminates what the film wants to say, as much as, if not more than, the words do.

A capable cast brings out the sentiments and humour in both scenes of high emotions dealing with grief and scenes of mundanity and boredom at a military checkpoint. After the visceral excitement of Lebanon, Moaz proves he is equally powerful and adaptable in a quieter and more sombre mode.