Katie Roberts

*SPOILERS* I cried horrified tears staring into the eyes of the cow the moment before their sterile slaughter alongside the routine & cold affect of the humans working the blood-drenched slaughterhouse, then relief tears for the sweetness of the deer together in the dreamy snow forest. Rough against the gentleness of the female and male leads was the contrast of those with 'social skills' as teasing, cruel, or even ironically inducing discomfort in others, like jeering staff in the cafeteria and the psychologist probing with intrusive questions. The overall feel is more dark humor that comes with with oddball lense, much moreso than bullies because the lead is aloof to their jests. The second half of the movie drew out the opening-curiosity of the female lead seeing the world through her fresh, doe eyes and created a dual refreshingly melancholy tone - melancholy from witnessing the potentially intimate moments killed by fear or social norms. Observing the female lead's senses awakening through this dreamscape partnership built on safety then love creates this longing in the awake world between the two partners. While the male character appears more closed off and solo as well, after a few hiccups from miscommunications/misunderstandings are overcome, her awake world begins to allow more dreamy-ness with the magic of squishy mashed potatoes, tickling blades of grass, warm furry cow pets, loving brooding folk. He, instead, is more restricted by the social norms he has acquired, habits leading to retreat. In a pulse of a critical moment, the steed shows up, and their world of dream is realized.

bellisimo! I see my womanhood in this small town by the sea (but not quite close enough ;) in both young brilliant women learning their true femme power for survival.