In this particular movie, everything is not so: from some, and rather unexpected, based on the overall tragic plot fullness, humor in form, to in a good sense the pettiness of the camera and director’s work, drawing the viewer’s attention to seemingly nonsense, but quite vital, honest nonsense – from the details of everyday life to the emotional and behavioral reactions of the film’s heroes. The actors, I must say separately, of course, do not say that they are enchanting, but quite honestly and clearly convey the characters of their heroes, in general they do not overplay and do not cause feelings of attraction by the ears, for which they have a separate respect. The main character (thanks J. Hader) is quite good and interesting, and, although sometimes unpleasant, makes him empathize.
With all this, in general, and despite the fact that I personally liked the film, albeit with difficulty, but I can understand the rather low ratings of the film: after all, such a mixture of the unexpected rigidity of events in the film and at the same time some caricaturism of what is happening, in a certain sense breaks the pattern when watching, preventing you from putting on the film any one stylistic label. The need to classify and place an object on its shelf of our understanding of the world is a rather significant pattern of our behavior and attitude to life. And plus, the niche of the “old robbers” – with all the resulting ugly and even in some sense repulsive details and details – also, I think, not the most popular topic for the general audience.
Summing up, I would like to advise the viewer before watching to be prepared in advance for the fact that he will see quite unconventional and high-quality, partly subtle and sad, partly funny, in general, missing stars from the sky, but leaving a pleasant aftertaste of the movie.
8 out of 10
Original