Review of Hide Your Smiling Faces (2014) by Matthew S — 27 May 2015
Daniel Patrick Carbone's film is no ordinary or simplistic "coming of age" movie. The focus is on capturing the impact of tragedy on two brothers who are not only both trying to grasp an understanding of the nature of their world but of themselves.
The tragedy heightens already hormone-infused perceptions in both brothers in different ways. While the child seems to be shaken and afraid, the teenage older brother is equally shaken but angry. This naturalistic and seemingly loose structure of the movie is deceptive as the filmmaker creates an unexpected level of tension.
By the time the movie reaches its midpoint an oppressive atmosphere of danger and doom almost become a third character in the story. Scary, unflinching and quietly powerful --- Carbone's painfully realistic film is as horrifying as it is beautiful.
A not so gentle reminder to be present for our children.
This review of Hide Your Smiling Faces (2014) was written by Matthew S on 27 May 2015.
Hide Your Smiling Faces has generally received positive reviews.
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