Sarah M. Wood

We just watched "the Zone of Interest" film and I really feel like if I were to cast a stone at the people depicted in the film, that tens of thousands of stones would come back to me from across those walls at Auschwitz to remind me of our present circumstances with all the homeless in our communities. I feel sick. How about you?

I was intrigued to watch this film having participated in a First Nation's Study of the Oko standoff, but was unprepared for the gripping story of a young girl's life and how it was affected by both the Standoff and the impact on her community. It was well acted and truthful in its exploration and representation of its characters, and disarmingly candid in its illustrations of personal dynamics and coping mechanisms. A very thoughtful and educational film, perhaps the best coming of age presentation I have seen to date. Well done!

This is the first review I have ever shared, which I am choosing to write because both my husband and I experienced this film as exceptionally well presented and plausible. I usually fall asleep in films, but I was riveted by the premise and the presentation of both characters and story. The film F.O.E was mesmerizing in its somberness of location and thoughtful inclusion of real environmental issues as well as global humanitarian concerns. The possibility of one partner being recruited for a space experiment while leaving a spouse alone with both uncertainty of outcome and such challenging circumstances is unnerving. Many films have been made that have included this premise that never quite touched to such a degree the human experience of either a separation of this magnitude nor the relational circumstances and implications. Though not dis-similar to what may have been centuries-ago world navigation, it illustrates another level of terrain mentally and physically; of having to trust in the outcome of exploring the universal unknown as well as complete strangers. It was well-acted and believable, and the symbolism throughout that was illustrated by specific living organisms and species as well as the violent nature and consuming behaviors of human versus artificial intelligence was a timely and thoughtful study. Well done, this was for us a worthwhile watch!!!

I am not well read so cannot argue that the movie is true to the book, but I can undeniably say that both my husband and I enjoyed the film immensely, especially the break-down of the 4th wall throughout. Dakota Johnson gave an equally mature and adorable performance, and the tangible chemistry between the characters as well as the clever dialogue and delivery was believable.