Review of The Tree of Life (2011) by Matt M — 06 Jan 2014

The eldest child in a 1950s family witnesses the loss of witness. Malick juggles between the enigma and the poetry to reflect upon life and death, spirituality and humanity. The photography is stunning, whether breathtakingly abstract in the scenes of the creation of the world or impressionistic in its portrayal of the family.

The style works in a most compelling way, and gives a cery intimate look at its subject to the point of letting it become personal. A naturally flowing masterpiece that never quite adjusts to structural conventionalities though it entraps the audience all the same.