Unraveling the Psyche With Each Scene

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Penultimate (Den Næstsidste)
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2020, 2024
Runtime: 2h 3m
Director(s): Jonas Kærup Hjort
Writer(s): Jonas Kærup Hjort
Cast: Joen Højerslev, Joen Bille, Anne Fletting, Malene Melsen, Anders Plougman, Niels Ploughman, Silas Kappendrup, Claudia Gregersen, Hanne Uldal, Jonas Munck Hansen
Where To Watch: the North American premiere will be available on April 5, 2024, exclusively on SVOD Platform Film Movement Plus, available on Amazon Channels or via www.filmmovementplus.com

RAVING REVIEW: Stepping into the unique world of THE PENULTIMATE, director Jonas Kærup Hjort crafts an engaging, introspective exploration that refuses to play by the regular movie rules. This film grabs your attention, not with blockbuster explosions or high-speed chases but with the quiet intensity of its narrative and the depth of its philosophical musings. It's like being handed a puzzle where each piece prompts a question about existence, set against a backdrop that's as visually minimalistic as symbolically rich.

THE PENULTIMATE throws out the conventional cinema playbook and opts for simplicity with the entire film. It's a refreshing take highlighting the potency of raw emotion and dialogue over extravagant sets. Joen Højerslev's portrayal of The Water Inspector is a compelling anchor, guiding us through a monolithic maze that symbolizes the prisons we build around ourselves—crafted from self-imposed “norms” and our most profound insecurities. The minimalist surroundings are not mere settings but canvases awaiting the projections of our inner thoughts and battles.

The film's sound design emerges as a character in its own right. It's a skill in using sound to enhance storytelling, providing a richness that complements the visual austerity. Through an intricate balance of sound and silence, THE PENULTIMATE elevates the cinematic experience, making it a profoundly immersive journey. The sound doesn’t just accompany the visuals; it expands the narrative space, drawing the audience deeper into the film's contemplative world. I would have loved to experience this on the big screen with theater sound.

THE PENULTIMATE is far from a passive viewing experience. It seeks to engage, provoke thought, and stir debate. Hjort has created a film that is both a mirror and a window—reflecting our innermost selves while offering glimpses into the vast landscape of human existence. It's a film that doesn't just entertain but also questions and inspires, challenging viewers to engage with it on a level that transcends traditional movie-watching.

THE PENULTIMATE marks Hjort's premiere as a filmmaker with a distinct voice, unafraid to navigate the complexities of the human condition through cinema. This film balances depth and simplicity, making it a story to be watched and an experience to be lived. It's a compelling invitation to dive deep into the intricacies of life, offering a cinematic journey that stays with you, prompting reflection long after the screen fades to black. To be fair, this was a challenging film; you have to be in the right mindset to take this on. Thankfully, I was, but at the same time, I found myself struggling and being distracted (again, a reason the theatrical experience would have been incredible).

In a landscape often dominated by films seeking to entertain rather than engage, THE PENULTIMATE stands out as a perfect example of thoughtful cinema. It's a must-watch for those who appreciate films that provoke thought, challenge perceptions, and invite introspection. A solid three out of five stars, it's a film that offers as much as it demands from its viewers, making every moment spent in its world one of profound contemplation and unexpected discovery.

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[photo courtesy of FILM MOVEMENT]

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