philip conn

The film had an exotic setting, though really quite anachronistic, considering the country is South Africa, but the complexities of enacting same sex desire, including secrecy, public denial, deep frustration that intimacy could not be openly acknowledged and enjoyed, seemed generic experiences, common to those unable or unwilling to find more validating social contexts. I was disappointed by the ending, which seemed to invalidate both the possibility for change/development in the character of Xolani, charged with the care of the boy forced to participate in the ritual, but also run counter to all the evidence of his essential capacity to care for and protect his charge. That felt inauthentic and gratuitous. Something more nuanced, even if not resolved would have been more satisfying.

I saw a subtitled performance at Stratford Picture House. Very comfortable and large screen. I enjoyed the film. Pitt's performance was low key and reflective. Lee Jones, his father a crazy man too disconnected from humanity. The music was good. The visuals excellent. At over two hours it needed patience. Can' t imagine it made its costs but probably will become part of the SF canon. 6/10