MOVIE REVIEW
Lovely Rita
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2001, 2024 4k North American premiere
Runtime: 1h 19m
Director(s): Jessica Hausner
Writer(s): Jessica Hausner
Cast: Barbara Osika, Christoph Bauer, Peter Fiala, Wolfgang Kostal, Karina Brandlmayer
Language: German and English with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available now on VOD & leading digital outlets

RAVING REVIEW: LOVELY RITA feels like being granted a backstage pass to the pulsating heart of Vienna's independent cinema scene. With her debut, Jessica Hausner invites us into a realm where the norms we place on things and the tumultuous journey of self-discovery collide through the eyes of her protagonist, Rita (Barbara Osika.) This film is an emotional expedition that blends critical societal observation with an intimate character portrait. Hausner's narrative prowess shines, creating a film experience that sticks with you long after the credits roll. It's the fourth film I’ve watched of Hausner’s after CLUB ZERO, HOTEL, and LOURDES, and arguably another of my favorites, thanks to the worlds created within them.

Hausner's ascent from Vienna's vibrant indie film world to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival showcases a director who's not afraid to weave complexity into her cinematic tales and take chances with every frame. With LOVELY RITA, she focuses her vision on the choppy waters of youth, juxtaposing the fire of adolescent rebellion against society's cold, complex structures. The result? It is a nuanced, engaging, simple, and powerful story, proving Hausner's focus is sharp and empathetically attuned.

Central to this tale is Rita, brought to life with an incredible depth of emotion by Osika. Rita's story mirrors the struggles of identity, the ache of loneliness, and the courage it takes to swim against the tide. Hausner's exploration of Rita's precarious walk on the journey of adolescence—teetering between the ease of conformity and the perilous jump toward self-discovery—is riveting.

The film draws inspiration from various cinematic influences, marrying the minimalist with the significant and firmly establishing Hausner as a filmmaker of distinction. She doesn't just tell a story; she invites the audience into a dialogue, urging us to seek out the beauty and profundity in life's quieter moments and the things left unsaid.

At the heart of Hausner's creativity, LOVELY RITA stands as a beacon of her ability to navigate the human condition's complexity. This film transcends the typical coming-of-age narrative, offering poignant commentary on the broader stage. It dares its viewers to question, confront the uncomfortable, and explore the depths of human emotion with bravery and empathy.

Some may critique the film for its measured pacing or shift away from the flash and dazzle of mainstream entertainment, but precisely, these qualities underscore its brilliance. LOVELY RITA is a journey for those willing to engage deeply, promising a rich, emotional, and intellectual reward for those who do.

LOVELY RITA marks a bold risk by a director who dares to explore the road less traveled. The film challenges questions and enriches the experience film, reminding us of cinema's true power to stir, provoke thought, and elicit profound emotional responses. Hausner is an icon for those of us navigating the vast seas of film, looking for more than just entertainment but a meaningful, profound connection. As the final scene fades to black, we're left satisfied, stirred, reflective, and eager for whatever Hausner brings to the screen next. In cinema, LOVELY RITA is an invitation to engage with film on a profoundly more profound level.

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[photo courtesy of FILM MOVEMENT]

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