Two actors, a director, and a DOP all get together in a room to do a rehearsal of a scene in order to get framing and actions all aligned ahead of the shoot. The scene is a romantic moment between the two leads, and as it plays out the actress finds herself gently moving beyond what she is comfortable with.
This had the potential to be a preachy film, pushing a political agenda which draws in those that don't need to be reached but isolates those that do. In fact it manages to avoid that trap totally, and is a much more thoughtful and convincing piece by how subtle it is. On the face of it this means that the film doesn't do a great deal - there is not violent pressure or a feeling of threat, nor are any of the 3 males pushy or aggressive (indeed just the opposite). What plays out is the actress politely taking extra steps and finding herself in a position she is not comfortable with, but at the same time not feeling she can say no. The end credits play out her reflection on this, but we already understand her feeling as we have been there when it was occurring.
It could have been possible to look at the actress and criticise her for not just speaking up, but the film nails the journey so well that it is actually easier to see why she didn't. I'm sure some online commenters will still see it that way, but for me the film put me in the situation really well, and the actress had the perfect natural performance to make it work. Very nice piece of work - it very much just lets you see it yourself, without telling.
This had the potential to be a preachy film, pushing a political agenda which draws in those that don't need to be reached but isolates those that do. In fact it manages to avoid that trap totally, and is a much more thoughtful and convincing piece by how subtle it is. On the face of it this means that the film doesn't do a great deal - there is not violent pressure or a feeling of threat, nor are any of the 3 males pushy or aggressive (indeed just the opposite). What plays out is the actress politely taking extra steps and finding herself in a position she is not comfortable with, but at the same time not feeling she can say no. The end credits play out her reflection on this, but we already understand her feeling as we have been there when it was occurring.
It could have been possible to look at the actress and criticise her for not just speaking up, but the film nails the journey so well that it is actually easier to see why she didn't. I'm sure some online commenters will still see it that way, but for me the film put me in the situation really well, and the actress had the perfect natural performance to make it work. Very nice piece of work - it very much just lets you see it yourself, without telling.