I just watched Julia Loktev’s first feature film, Day Night Day Night starring a first-time actor, Luisa Williams. The film starts with the camera on the no-named girl (Williams) and then, with one brief exception, she’s in every shot of the entire film. We see what she sees and hear what she hears (the amplified chewing while she eats is an especially nice touch). There’s no explanation for who she is or where she comes from, and there are no dramatic music cues to tell us what she’s feeling. Nonetheless, what could have been a formal exercise in filmmaking takes us on a journey that’s nothing short of riveting.

The journey of this girl goes into some sensitive subject matter in a completely fresh and compassionate way. Ultimately, the journey is a spiritual one that left thoughts and images lingering in my mind long after the film ended. (And Williams’ performance is sure to be noticed–I think she’ll be showing up on the screen again soon.)

Listen to my interview with the filmmaker, Julia Loktev. (Pardon my sleepiness. It was late.)

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