MOVIE REVIEW
Mother Vera
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Cécile Embleton, Alys Tomlinson
Where To Watch: world premiere at the 2024 Visions du Réel – International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: The monochromatic world of MOTHER VERA, directed by Cécile Embleton and Alys Tomlinson, feels like you’re entering a realm where time slows and shadows speak. This offers more than what a traditional documentary does by exploring a reflective odyssey, exploring a nun’s quest for redemption and personal truth. The film provides a vivid dive into Vera's battle with her past and embracing monastic life’s austere beauty.

MOTHER VERA strikes a unique chord in documentary cinema's landscape, blending monastic life's stark realities with the lyrical beauty of spiritual searching. Directors Embleton and Tomlinson draw from their rich backgrounds in fine arts and documentary filmmaking to paint a portrait of Vera, a nun whose life balances deep turmoil and profound tranquility. The film offers a powerful message that makes you think and try to put yourself in her shoes.

Narrated by Vera herself, the film provides an intimate glimpse into her transformation. Her narration isn't just a recounting of events but a window into her soul, revealing her battles with addiction and her eventual journey toward a peace that only a life stripped of excess can offer. The choice to present MOTHER VERA in black and white heightens the drama of her internal and external conflicts and mirrors the simplicity she seeks through her faith. I’m not religious, but seeing this journey offers a unique path and shows how powerful faith can be for some.

Vera’s relationship with the monastery's horses is particularly poignant as a powerful metaphor for her search for stability and peace. This connection to nature enriches the film’s narrative, grounding her spiritual journey in the physical world and adding a layer of universality to her experience. Nature and nurture, in one experience, connect Vera to a path that allows her to focus on her journey forward.

However, the film does have its slower moments. While often a vessel for deeper understanding, the meditative pace occasionally feels longer than it is, potentially stretching the patience of some viewers looking for a more dynamic documentary experience. Yet, these quiet moments are where the film often finds its strength simultaneously, in the silent rituals and the subdued yet sincere interactions within the monastery.

As the story ends, Vera’s decision ultimately shocks viewers. MOTHER VERA handles this choice and its fallout with sensitivity, respecting her past while looking forward to her future. This moment is crafted with care, illustrating the bravery required to forge a new identity.

MOTHER VERA invites viewers to reflect on the nature of faith and freedom. It challenges us to consider the sacrifices for inner peace and the courage to change one's life path. The film’s ability to engage with these universal themes through the specific story of Vera makes it a notable addition to documentary filmmaking.

Overall, MOTHER VERA is a thoughtful exploration of faith, redemption, and self-discovery. It succeeds in drawing viewers into its contemplative narrative, though its deliberate pace may only resonate with some. The film stands out for its artistic execution and the profound questions it poses about life’s second chances.

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[photo courtesy of SHE MAKES PRODUCTIONS]

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