Released in 2013 and shot in black and white, the film evokes French New Wave. With its slow, lingering camera shots, minimal, restrained dialogue, it evokes a feeling of moodiness and anxiety. In this way it’s kind of existential piece, although expressed differently from ‘Locke’. The two characters, Ida, a noviate nun meets up with her only surviving relative, an Aunt who deals with her problems via drink and sex. A strong and interesting contrast to her niece which, with the introduction of a jazz saxophonist, can only lead to a complex interplay between the characters. The film is not Hollywood, there’s no trickery but there is a depth of analysis of the human condition which stays. Highly recommended.
Marguerite Valentine is a former child protection specialist now writing psychological thrillers. Her debut novel is 'Between The Shadow And The Soul'.