Mixed thoughts about this. Feel lucky to have been able to watch this on the big screen. Feel even luckier to have the director do a post-screening Q&A. Performances are natural. Visuals are beautifully composed. The film forces the audience to sit through static camera positions at times. Danger and drama are sometimes hinted at via what the audience cannot see but can hear. The characters are sometimes kept at a distance from the audience via compositions which makes them a part of their environment, or with natural movements that have them with their backs to the audience rather than to punch into close ups. Sound design is very conscious in creating drama (another reason why this works so well on the big screen). Reminds me of Anthony Chen's
Ilo Ilo at times (main character being a maid, based on the filmmaker's childhood, etc). Definitely not for today's mainstream audience as the cinematic conventions do not always adhere to their expectations. And yet, (IMHO) the compelling focus on the main character's journey allows the audience to connect.
