A Striking Look at Love and Self-Discovery

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MOVIE REVIEW
Losing Ground (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 1982, Kino Lorber Blu-ray 2025
Runtime: 1h 26m
Director(s): Kathleen Collins
Writer(s): Kathleen Collins
Cast: Seret Scott, Bill Gunn, Duane Jones
Where To Watch: available March 18, 2025; pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Certain films capture the balance between ambition and connection, but few do it with the depth and sincerity found here. This story is about intellect and emotion colliding, a thoughtful examination of what happens when two minds push in opposite directions. Its layered storytelling, dialogue, and visual contrasts deliver an experience far beyond the final frame.

At the heart of the film is Sara Rogers (Seret Scott), a philosophy professor grounded in academia, whose world is turned upside down when her artist husband, Victor Rogers (Bill Gunn), decides to take their lives in a different direction. He is guided by impulse, eager to embrace new inspiration by moving his work from abstraction to realism. Their summer relocation, meant to be a retreat, instead highlights the growing distance between them. While Victor immerses himself in a new muse, Celia (Maritza Rivera), Sara is drawn into an unfamiliar experience that forces her to reevaluate her identity, both within and outside her marriage.

The film thrives on its intricate character work. Scott's performance is equal parts controlled and vulnerable, capturing the internal conflict of a woman at a crossroads. Opposite her, Gunn radiates a charming yet flawed magnetism, embodying the push-and-pull of a man who wants freedom and security. The supporting cast rounds out the story with compelling performances, particularly Duane Jones as Duke, a charismatic actor who shakes up Sara’s worldview.

The film's ability to balance deeply intellectual themes with raw, unfiltered emotion makes it captivating. Discussions about art and philosophy never feel forced or pretentious but flow naturally, reflecting the characters' lived experiences. The writing is sharp and self-aware, blending moments of humor with observations about love, self-worth, and the sacrifices made to pursue personal fulfillment. Even in its quietest moments, the film pulses with an undercurrent of tension, making it impossible to look away.

The orderly, structured world of academia contrasts with the free-spirited, colorful energy of the artistic sphere. This visual tension mirrors the characters’ emotional struggles, with framing and composition reinforcing their evolving dynamic. Scenes are deliberately paced, allowing moments of hesitation and spontaneity to coexist and capturing the subtle shifts in power and perspective between the characters.

One of its greatest strengths is how it explores the connection between ambition and relationships without resorting to easy resolutions. Sara’s journey is as much about breaking free from expectations as it is about self-discovery. She isn’t simply reacting to the world around her—she’s slowly realizing that the life she has built may no longer be the one she wants. That depth is rare and speaks to the filmmaker’s ability to craft a personal and universally relatable story.

That’s not to say the film is without its weaker moments. Some sequences, particularly those tied to George's (Gary Bolling) student film subplot, don’t land with the same emotional weight as the rest of the story. While meant to reflect Sara’s evolution, these moments occasionally feel less refined. Additionally, the conclusion may leave some viewers wishing for a more definitive resolution, though its ambiguity ultimately adds to the film’s lasting impact.

Despite being overlooked upon its initial release, the film’s themes remain as relevant as ever. Its exploration of identity, gender dynamics, and artistic integrity still resonates, proving that strong storytelling transcends time. Fortunately, with its recent restoration, modern audiences now have the opportunity to experience what was once nearly lost to history.

There’s no denying the significance of this film. It captures the restlessness of ambition, the complexities of relationships, and the quiet realization that change is inevitable. Thought-provoking yet deeply personal, it cements itself as a defining work that leaves an impression.

Product Extras :
DISC 1:
• Losing Ground Audio Commentary by Professors LaMonda Horton-Stallings and Terri Francis
• The Cruz Brothers and Miss Malloy (1980, 50 minutes), a 2K restoration of Kathleen Collins’ first film
• In Search of Marcus Garvey (1981, 29 minutes, written by Kathleen Collins)
• Archival Audio Commentary for The Cruz Brothers and Miss Malloy by Kathleen Collins • Theatrical Trailer

DISC 2:
• Transmagnifican Dambamuality (1976, 7 minutes), Ronald Gray’s student film
• Interviews with producer/cinematographer Ronald K. Gray (46 minutes), star Seret Scott (40 minutes), and Kathleen Collin’s daughter Nina Lorez Collins (26 minutes)
• Interview with Kathleen Collins by Phyllis R. Klotman (22 minutes)
• Masterclass with Kathleen Collins at Howard University (1984, 119 minutes)

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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