Dir: Mercedes Stalenhof | Netherlands – 2025 – 96′
When BBC anchorman Frank Gardner became wheelchair bound after an accident at work he actually dreamt he could walk again – only to discover the terrible reality on waking.
In this sensual expressionist thriller a promising scuba diving champion suffers an incapacitating loss of sight, and discovers, just like Frank, that her mind is playing tricks after the life-changing injury.
But that’s not the only downside of the tragedy. Used to being physically active, both above and under water, 17-year-old Lot finds her life falling apart for many different reasons. Rehabilitation will not just involve extensive medical treatment but also a loss of control as she is forced to re-learn the most basic physicals movements in a special centre for the visually impaired.
This is a challenging role for lead Aiko Beemsterboer and one she tackles with impressive skill in navigating her new world. Two male members of the medical team aid in her recovery: one is Micha (Minne Koole), the other is Ed (Edward Stelder) who becomes a father-like figure. Britt Snell’s characterisation is full fleshed out even though the protagonists are visually rather hazy in order to reflect Lot’s experience and re-education. An impressionist soundscape and Mark Van Aller’s sensitive camerawork give us a palpable impression of what it’s like to be visually challenged. @MeredithTaylor
ROTTERDAM INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2025 |