Review of Stations of the Cross (2014) by Stephen W — 02 Dec 2014
Disturbing. fascinating. The way in which Maria is crucified on the unyielding beliefs of her church is told in chilling and compelling detail. The fixed camera underlines the rigid world view of those guiding her to adulthood and thanks to their guidance she convinces herself that her fate is to sacrifice her life for the sake of her little brother.
There is some warmth and humour in the early scenes as she finds gentle affection from a boy in her school and in a car ride with her mother but from the moment she confesses the sin of telling a white lie the tension builds relentlessly as her upbringing drives her onwards to pointless sacrifice.
All the while the camera keeps its unblinking gaze until the penultimate scene when her mother finally realises the enormity of what she has done and collapses with grief. Only in the very last scene, when Maria is free from torment does the camera allow itself to roam and to gaze across and upwards to the beauty of the world - a beauty which Maria was never allowed to enjoy.
This review of Stations of the Cross (2014) was written by Stephen W on 02 Dec 2014.
Stations of the Cross has generally received positive reviews.
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