Heart and History Collide in Venice

Read Time:3 Minute, 55 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Across the River and Into the Trees
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Genre: Drama, Romance, War
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 47m
Director(s): Paula Ortiz
Writer(s): Peter Flannery, Ernest Hemingway
Cast: Liev Schreiber, Matilda De Angelis, Josh Hutcherson, Laura Morante, Danny Huston, Giulio Berruti, Enzo Cilenti, Sabrina Impacciatore, Alessandro Bressanello
Where To Watch: available on demand November 1, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: In Paula Ortiz’s ACROSS THE RIVER AND INTO THE TREES, the evocative cityscape of post-war Venice serves as more than just a picturesque setting—it transforms into a living, breathing entity that mirrors the psychological decay of its main character, Colonel Richard Cantwell. Portrayed by Liev Schreiber, Cantwell is a soldier at war with his mortality. This film explores an intricate web of emotion that is as much about internal feelings as external actions, inviting the audience into a slow-paced exploration of a man confronting life.

Schreiber brings Cantwell to life with an impeccable balance of toughness and fragility, making every glance and every line of dialogue count. His portrayal is not just acting; it embodies a soul haunted by past battles and personal losses, navigating his inevitable decline. The film charts Cantwell's journey to Venice as a profound pilgrimage into the caverns of his memories and regrets.

Cinematographer Javier Aguirresarobe's vision depicts Venice in all its faded grandeur, reflecting Cantwell’s existential battle. The film employs a unique visual strategy, playing with color tones that shift with the protagonist’s emotional journey, enhancing the storytelling with visual cues that pull the viewer deeper into Cantwell’s unraveling psyche.

Playing Sergeant Jackson, Cantwell’s driver and inadvertent keeper, Josh Hutcherson provides a counterpoint to Cantwell's somber narrative. Hutcherson injects a necessary liveliness into the film, portraying a young man who serves as Cantwell’s companion and as an observer of the colonel’s last defiant stand against his crumbling fate. His performance underscores a theme of resilience contrasting with Cantwell’s weary resignation.

At the emotional core of ACROSS THE RIVER AND INTO THE TREES is the relationship between Cantwell and Renata Contarini, portrayed with grace by Matilda De Angelis. Renata, a young woman trapped by the world's expectations and a looming, loveless marriage, symbolizes the paths one might dream of but never take. The film avoids overt romantic clichés, portraying deep emotional connections, understanding, and shared confinement. This fleeting yet profound interaction impacts both characters.

While ACROSS THE RIVER AND INTO THE TREES is a feast for the senses and a tribute to introspective storytelling, it is not without its pacing and narrative challenges. The screenplay, faithful to Hemingway's understated style, sometimes borders on the too-subtle, risking the engagement of viewers looking for a more traditional plot.

ACROSS THE RIVER AND INTO THE TREES will resonate most with those who appreciate cinema that prioritizes character introspection over action. It navigates life’s most turbulent moments, the shadow of death, and the impact of fleeting yet intense connections with elegance and depth. Schreiber’s portrayal of Cantwell is haunting, offering viewers a window into the soul of a man grappling with his final chapter amidst the haunting beauty of Venice.

This film is a contemplative experience reflecting on life's nature and the beauty of finding peace in the face of despair. As Venice reflects the dualities of decay and beauty, so too does the film mirror these elements, creating a rich tapestry of mood and introspection that invites viewers to ponder their own life’s fleeting moments.

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[photo courtesy of LEVEL 33 ENTERTAINMENT]

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