Welcome to the sixth of the chronicles that we will dedicate day after day to the 57th edition of the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival. 'Pendant ce temps sur Terre' – This French production is powerfully reminiscent of 'Under the Skin', especially in the background. It is difficult not to assume that Jérémy Clapin likes Jonathan Glazer's film, something on the other hand… logical and normal. It is not so logical and normal, however, that it convinces you. 'Meanwhile on Earth'international title of this serious, dramatic, transcendent and existential science fiction story about grief and loss that takes more than half a movie to get started. It is its only but, being that even though it is always interesting and appreciable, its approach “eats” a development that seems scarce whose climax, consequently, lacks the proper strength and emotional charge. ****** 'Night Silence (Cisza Nocna)' – Lucjan, a retired actor, is admitted by his son to a residence in the middle of the countryside. Nothing definitive, just for a few months, while they renovate the house. Reluctant at first, he is convinced by the hospitality of the team and the residents. However, soon a wave of murders terrorizes the place. Tormented by terrifying nightmares, Lucjan must face a grotesque threat if he wants to get out of there alive. Read that way, it doesn't sound bad, right? Nothing could be further from reality: A bland, bland and aseptic drama about an old man who is “parked” in a residence without rhythm, without spark and without substance to which a fantastic component has been added because, why not? Total, lost to the river. ***'Things Will Be Different' – Not by chance, Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead are its executive producers; Not by chance, it could pass for being a film from those responsible for 'The Infinite' or 'Something in the Dirt'. In fact, it is the writing and directing debut of Michael Felker, the editor of the two aforementioned films, being, also, and like both, an “almost, almost but not” like those of Benson & Moorhead . Less accomplished, yes, perhaps due to a mere matter of experience. In any case, it is still an exemplary “low cost” science fiction story that is always intriguing and nothing can be said about it, except for not hitting the table or presenting some element or twist that leaves us with a crooked ass. ****** 'Love Me' – Watching it, 'Swiss Army Man' came to mind, although Sam & Andy's debut film is not as accomplished or as resounding as the Daniels'. Both are two improbable existential fables about two beings in the middle of nowhere who only have each other; In the case at hand, a buoy and a satellite thousands of years after the end of humanity. Just as it sounds. It is true that Sam & Andy “cheat” a little so that such a bold and surreal idea can work, although its beginning is so captivating that its impulse keeps standing a very curious romantic, vital, humanist and reflective fable that Along the way he loses strength to the point of ending up asking for the time. ****** 'Strange Darling' – There is a word that defines it perfectly: It is a “playful” film. If you enter into its game and let yourself be carried away without further reluctance, you will enjoy it. From start to finish. And quite a bit too. Because it is a “playful” film, conceived by those responsible for the enjoyment of whoever dedicates themselves to such a noble cause. A convoluted romantic and suspense thriller developed in a non-linear way over six episodes (and an epilogue) that challenges appearances and preconceptions. A self-aware diversion with a seventies feel, two charismatic protagonists and a vibrant 35 mm visual style (courtesy of Giovanni Ribisi) that does not take itself (and should not be taken) too seriously. *******
