I am faced with the daunting task of finding the appropriate words to convey the impact this film had on me. As someone whose native language is not English, I still feel compelled to make the effort.
During a lecture, Liv Ullmann shared her thoughts on the film Persona, emphasizing that a movie doesn't need to provide all the answers. Instead, it should leave you with something to contemplate and carry with you. Perhaps, over time, you will have an epiphany and understand it on a deeper level. Ullmann also spoke about the transformative power of cinema, how it can alter our perspectives. I believe this sentiment perfectly encapsulates my experience with this remarkable, beautiful, and profound film.
As someone who also experienced the loss of my parents at a young age, the film's exploration of grief and acceptance resonated deeply within me. The performances by Paul Mescena and Andrew Scott were truly extraordinary, capturing the essence of their characters. However, I must acknowledge that Andrew Haigh's script and the lead actors were equally instrumental in making the film's message feel authentic. It is truly shocking that neither of these actors nor the film itself received Oscar nominations this year. They poured their hearts and souls into this project, taking us on a journey of alienation, loneliness, and the struggle to move forward after immense loss.
In addition to the exceptional performances and profound message, Andrew Haigh's inclusion of excellent music, particularly the nostalgic pop tunes from the 80s, added another layer of depth to the film. It evoked a sense of nostalgia and resonated with my own experiences during that era. Rarely have I seen the music of that decade so effectively utilized in a masterpiece like this.
This film will forever hold a special place in my heart, and its impact will never fade from my memory.
