From The Brutalist to Blitz and The Seed of the Secret Fig, On The Record wraps up their Adelaide Film Festival watches as the first of two weekends comes to a close. (Image: McKenna Paull)
By McKenna Paull | @mechllemac
Much of the Adelaide Film Festival’s (AFF) program this year is concerned with how stories from the past shape the present and future. On The Record has reviewed a selection of these films in its first AFF round-up.
The Brutalist
After finishing all three and a half hours of Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist, the film can only be described as an epic. Its explorations of immigration, faith and guilt are backgrounded by protagonist László Tóth, a postwar Hungarian architect who journeys to the United States in pursuit of the American dream.
This story is a cinematic success largely because of Corbet and co-writer Mona Fastvold’s well-written, nuanced characters, which are supported by immaculate performances from the cast. Australian Guy Pearce’s refined performance as industrialist Harrison Burren is a highlight.
The weight of the film’s numerous ideas, at times, feels insurmountable to contain on-screen, but the plot never strays far enough to lose the audience.
Don’t let the runtime scare you away; The Brutalist is certainly worth catching on the big screen.
Releasing in cinemas widely on January 23, 2025.
Blitz
Set in World War II, Blitz is Steve McQueen’s most commercial, accessible film that will likely please many except for his cinephile fans. For a writer-director known for his uncompromising depictions, including of sex addiction (Shame) and slavery (12 Years A Slave), his latest film is surprisingly tame.
For all the moments of fear experienced through the perspective of Londoners facing the aerial bombing attacks, there is a clear safety net thanks to the predictable and episodic-like plot. This leaves the film feeling distinct from the rest of the Oscar winner’s filmography.
Make no mistake though, McQueen knows how to direct the heck out of a scene. The thrilling and harrowing opening five minutes are a testament to this, as well as Australian editor Peter Sciberras’ artistry and Hans Zimmer’s score.
Action-packed and tense scenes ensure Blitz is worth the watch for historical drama fans. However, the slower scenes where McQueen tries to develop the mother and son protagonists feel undercooked, including the commentaries on racism and wartime unity. It results in a somewhat underwhelming film experience considering its potential.
Streaming on Apple TV+ from November 22, 2024.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig
This family drama is set during the 2022 Iranian protests, which occurred following a woman’s death in custody after she allegedly did not adhere to the Iranian government’s rules on wearing a hijab.
These protests — which are confronted as montages of social media footage throughout the film — act as a catalyst for the lives of a fictional family whose father has recently been appointed a new role in the Tehran courts.
As the film enters into its third act, the distrust among the father, his wife and two daughters result in a thriller twist.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig is a courageous film — so much so that writer-director Mohammad Rasoulof received an eight-year jail sentence for its creation before fleeing Iran with other cast and crew members.
However, the film struggles to sustain its narrative. Shocking early scenes, especially the montages, are undermined by the film’s lengthy, almost three-hour run time. You might be left wishing for a gut-punch documentary instead of a slow-burn drama.
Releasing in cinemas widely on January 23, 2025.
Keep your eyes peeled for On The Record’s second instalment of its AFF round-up.
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