Review of The Loneliest Planet (2012) by Steve P — 25 Mar 2013

Well ... this is a hard one to review. Most of the general public hate this movie and the critics rate it around ***1/2 on the average. I thought it was excellent. There's almost no action and very little dialogue - just a couple and their guide hiking through mountains when, half way through the film, something incredibly brief and almost trivial occurs which completely alters the dynamic between the romantic couple.

Everything they know about each other is brought into question. All of this is shown through their change in behaviour rather than anything they say. The acting is completely naturalistic and the story and photography is minimalist.

The central event will be missed unless you are watching carefully. It's a demanding film - it demands patience from the viewer. After the event and the last half of the film we are forced to think deeply about what we really know about our partners - those we think we do know - and the small things that can throw us into a chasm of doubt that could be hard to climb out of.

Absolutely don't see this film if you're addicted to Hollywood action or things served up to you without having to chew over. But it's very rewarding for those who can just sit, watch, and wait.