- Sensibility: The nature of Jan's illness and Bess's freedoms outside her home and church are a bit awkward and inconsistent. Otherwise, this brutal and wild story is surprisingly sensible.
- Cinematography: Camera work is far and away the highlight of the film. Lighting and framing are brilliant and create unforgettable imagery throughout. Only weakness are a few awkwardly edited scenes which distract from the flow and a depiction of some bells in the ending.
- Energy: The film lulls, intentionally, around Bess's decision making, but the tragedy and brutality of the ending make up for the slow build-up.
- Narrative: A great story about a rare kind of individual. It's very hard to make a film about an emotionally and intellectually stunted character interesting enough to be thought-provoking for the fully developed mind. The dialogue around the spiritual and repressive elements of the film is brilliant, as is the romance between Jan and Bess. The film suffers from the slightest bit of predictability, but even these foreseen moments are excellent.
- T-Points: The film received four bonus points: one for the title card and chapter transition scenes, one for a series of prayers where Bess converses with God and particularly a moment where she can no longer hear Him, one for a series of fourth wall breaking glances from Bess (which might be my favorite fourth-wall breaks I've ever seen), and one for Emily Watson's spectacular and challenging performance.
Brilliant, slow-burner, brutal film that has top-notch writing at its core. Emily Watson puts on a performance that is simply unforgettable and pairs beautifully with the camera-work and visual choices.
Number of Watches: 2
