MOVIE REVIEW
7 Fois (7 Times)
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Genre: Drama, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 16m
Director(s): Christine Wiederkehr
Writer(s): Christine Wiederkehr
Cast: Manu Annoni, Vidal Arzoni, Mona Petri, Antonin Schopfer, Luna Wedler
Where To Watch: TBA
RAVING REVIEW: Christine Wiederkehr's 7 FOIS navigates the complexities of human emotion and interaction with a narrative that's as profound as it is succinct. Center stage is young Elio, played with grace by Vidal Arzoni, whose life takes a sharp turn when he meets his tutor's lover, depicted by Luna Wedler. This meeting ignites a series of revelations and encounters, peeling back layers of vulnerability and highlighting silent battles.
From the outset, the film captivates with a symbolic act: Elio traps a wasp in a jar, a poignant metaphor for his life's limitations. This opening scene beautifully sets up the film’s central motifs of confinement and struggle for autonomy, echoed in his mother's life. As an immigrant striving for a brighter future, she represents resilience and compassion, and her reminders to Elio hint at deeper societal themes of hardship and parental hope.
As the narrative unfolds, the interaction with Elio moves from casual to crucial, crafting a pivotal narrative moment. Their dialogue, rich with double meanings and hidden truths, challenges the audience to untangle their complicated relationship. The fluctuating dynamics reveal her struggle with societal roles and personal desires, making their exchange a cornerstone of the film’s exploration of human relationships.
Filip Zumbrunn's cinematographic work enhances the film’s depth. Visual motifs like barriers and windows underscore the characters' emotional and physical isolation. One particularly striking visual—Elio alone by a window—effectively encapsulates his isolation and the broader implications of unrecognized suffering.
The performances are compelling. Arzoni’s portrayal of Elio blends innocence with a burgeoning awareness of the world’s complexities. Wedler navigates her multifaceted role with a deep understanding, painting her character's internal conflicts and pressures with every expression and line delivered. Their performances weave a dense narrative, inviting viewers to look beyond the apparent and explore the underlying messages.
7 FOIS addresses its themes with a delicate yet urgent touch, steering clear of melodrama by focusing on the nuanced realities of its characters’ lives. It invites its audience to confront the subtle signs of distress and dysfunction often overlooked in daily interactions, with the film’s title echoing the ongoing struggle to be heard and understood.
Wiederkehr’s directorial approach is meticulous and expansive, ensuring every scene is purposeful and resonant. Her direction prompts viewers to reflect on their perceptions and engage more deeply with the themes presented, offering an engaging and thought-provoking experience.
While the film’s brief run-time is one of its assets, allowing for a concentrated exploration of its themes, it also leaves specific narrative threads slightly underdeveloped. Expanding on the characters’ backstories and motivations could provide a richer emotional context and elevate the film’s impact. However, these elements do not diminish the film's effectiveness but highlight potential areas for deeper exploration.
Ultimately, 7 FOIS is a significant social commentary. It underscores the importance of empathy and awareness in a society that often ignores quiet struggles. The film’s exploration of abuse and the power of understanding serves as a compelling call to action, urging viewers to challenge their assumptions and embrace a more empathetic approach to the world around them.
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[photo courtesy of DSCHOINT VENTSCHR FILMPRODUKTION AG, RETURN TO THE WELL, OUAT MEDIA]
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