Review of Upstream Color (2013) by Paul Nicholas C — 03 Oct 2013

If Terrence Malick made a sci-fi film, it would be 'Upstream Color.'.

This abstract, edgy movie is part emotional drama, intriguing mystery and hypnotic analysis of identity.

'Upsteam' walks a very fine line - it's experimental film in execution, but surprisingly reveals a very structured mystery narrative. It maintains a trance-like tone and mystique as it allows the characters to unravel and the mystery to deepen. This is a beautifully executed and brave film that tells a very conventional story in the most unconventional manner. 'Upstream' employs timelapse, time jumps, whispering VO, long spans without much dialogue -- yet it succeeds in telling a story that's hard to look away from for even a second.

This genre-bending story is a trippy story that somehow never slips into confusion and an intriguing drama that allows the characters and narrative to twist, turn and evolve elegantly.