31/50
Dreaming of escaping the depression of their hometown, two teenage girls form a unique bond at a local modeling school, where the promise of a better life pushes the girls to more and more extreme forms of violence against their bodies. First of all, let me say that “Akiplesa” (Toxic) was, without a doubt, the pearl of the Locarno Film Festival this year. Saule Bluvaite has masterfully created a narrative that resonates with the festival audience, presenting a story that appeals to their feelings in a style they can easily embrace. I was already a fan of Bluvaita’s work, having been charmed by her short film Limuzinas (2020). My confidence in her directing skills was unshakable. However, I have to confess to a flash of surprise when I noticed “Horror” tags “Growth” and “Drama” in the festival program. Describing the film without revealing spoilers is a difficult task, but Bliuvaite managed it with amazing grace. The film’s portrayal of the fears of 14-year-old teenagers, captured in their very essence, from trembling hands to a dim gleam in their eyes, is deeply moving, largely thanks to the talented young cast. Their acting is raw and genuine, and they convey the vulnerability and confusion of adolescence with heartbreaking honesty. One can only hope that the film will receive wide distribution after its festival screening, which will allow it to reach a global audience. It deserves to be seen and appreciated for its unflinching portrayal of the complexities of adolescence and the insidious nature of social pressure. The direction of Blyvayte is confident and assured, showing a deft hand in balancing the dark elements of the film with moments of tenderness and vulnerability. The visual style of the film is striking with its muted color palette and harsh compositions that create an atmosphere of anxiety and foreboding. The music, a mesmerizing blend of electronic and orchestral elements, further enhances the film’s emotional impact. “Akiplesa” is a film that remains in memory long after the final credits. This is a testament to the power of cinema to explore the darkest corners of human experience with sensitivity, insight and a touch of poetic grace. This is a film that deserves to be seen and discussed, it reminds us that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can find a way to persevere and ultimately win.