The Movie: Lillian
The Director: Andreas Horvath
The Cast: Patrycja Płanik
The Story: An emigrant in New York decides to walk back to her home in Russia.
The Review:
First let me make sure you know that this movie is based on a true story. This really happened. The story was pieced together with a fair amount of speculation. I'm not going to say a lot else about how the story plays out, you have to see it for yourself.
There is a ton of commentary in this movie about the state of modern day America and the film's creator, Andreas Horvath, pulls no punches when it comes to some of the more pressing issues that have always been woven into the fabric of country, culture, and community. Lillian's journey from the very start is filled with oppression, dismissal, and all the standard behaviors you would expect from men who take advantage of the privilege and authority. Not being able to return home or stay where she's at, Lillian is so lost and distraught, she decides to literally walk from New York to Russia.
Patrycja Płanik's portrayal of Lillian is stunning and haunting and so relatable even in her almost absolute silence. Over the course of the entire movie, she barely ever says a word and yet in every moment she says a million things with body language, facial expressions, postures, and the depths of her soul that only show up in her eyes. This isn't hyperbole, this is one of the best acting performances I have seen in quite some time.
Lillian is a beautiful movie. It is an inspirational story and at the same time it is tale of sadness and despair. The movie is an eye opening look right into the heart of America with all of its beauty, traditions, history, dangers, issues, and faults. It's not the easiest movie to watch yet it is an experience you won't soon forget.
Lillian is an official selection of the 2020 Slamdance Film Festival.
To keep track of all my reviews and festival coverage please go to: TwoOhSix at Slamdance 2020.
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