Film Review #63 - The Zone of Interest (2023)


First Impression:

Starting with optimism, I was immediately immersed myself in by the music that evoked a sense of tension. It offered an ambient experience, yet… instead of "The Zone of Interest," for me, it was more like "The Zone of Boredom" as the film progressed.

The Positives:

There are glimmers of brilliance here. The cinematography was absolutely stellar. The film implemented wide-angle, long shots, and overhead shots, which were most often used. The pictures are crisp, clear, and utterly static, making you feel like you're standing right there. There's innovation, yes, but depth? Through medium shots. In most scenes, I had a feeling that the camera had decided to take a nap, but in the most crucial moments, it was moving. The night scene was creatively executed with black and white tones, but with a twist that was purely unique. Plus, the music and sound effects, though super minimal, crafted an underlying sense of anxiety that resonated with me. It's like they understood the assignment on visual storytelling through sound.

The Negative:

Moving on to the more crucial aspects. The writing and storyline pace themselves like a snail on a leisurely stroll, and I'm left wondering, "Why?". The plot, centered around Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss and his wife Hedwig’s everyday life as a family who live in a house and garden beside the camp in WWII, lacks the drama, the intrigue, and something that grabs you and refuses to let go. Its life is portrayed as a series of NPC’s (non-playable characters) in the scenes, which, while ambitious, ends up feeling flat and uninspired. The plot is not engaging, making it difficult to sit through the film. The lack of clichés is commendable, but at what cost? A story lacking highs and lows, making it a cinematic flatline.

Conclusion:

To sum up, "The Zone of Interest" is a mixed bag. Its cinematography and innovative use of sound effects stand out, creating an atmospheric experience that's visually and auditorily distinct. The film's slow storyline and lack of engaging content may not appeal to those seeking dynamic narratives or emotional depth. Hence, this film lands at a middling 5/10 for me. The film's aesthetic accomplishments may captivate you, yet it might also leave you longing for the untold stories and unexplored lives beyond the camera.

Rating: 5/10

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