Nimic

Perhaps the greatest strength of 'Nimic (2019)' is its ambiguity, which keeps you pondering its meaning long after its credits have rolled. Though I felt as though I had a pretty solid grasp on what was actually happening as I watched it, a conversation with my brother soon led me to realise that even the aspects I took for granted as being 'canon' are actually rife for interpretation. Furthermore, the underlying "why" of it all is firmly out of reach; it's impossible to know if it's meant to act as an allegory for something or if it's simply designed to provoke thought regarding the themes and fears it touches on. It's an odd, unsettling and uncompromisingly enigmatic experience that gets under your skin without you really knowing why. It's calmly yet confidently constructed, with sleek cinematography and deadpan performances. It's a very dry affair and it certainly won't appeal to everyone, but - if you can get on its wavelength - it's a distinct and unnerving short that should keep you engaged throughout.

It was a fun 12 minutes, I have to admit. Nothing too spectacular, but nothing too bland either. I don't know this for sure but it has certain similarities to Zulawski's Possession; from the way certain scenes were framed, the camera angles and just the overall vibe.

I couldn't stop thinking of "The house that Jack Built" while watching this short. The choice of music, Matt dillon himself who appears in both everything looked somehow familiar.

Im going thru zizek right now and i thought about how female agression is often repressed and that off-putting vibe of her was her literally doing things the same way. The off-putting vibe about her was eye-contact, which has to do with the male gaze and thinking being looked-at is the passive role of the female, but not the active perpetrator.

In no way what so ever did this make even the most rudimentary amount of sense to me. I found nothing about it to be entertaining... Just stupid and nonsensical to an annoying degree. There is not any semblance of explanation as to what the heck is going on or why. I was left questioning what I had just watched... I have no idea if it was supposed to be aliens or what. Also in complete shock at how high of a rating it has. Meh... To each their own I guess, but I personally wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Works perfectly as a trial run for any potential Lanthimos convertee. In a short 12 minute span we find ourselves confused, laughing and then scared, in that order. It takes a while for the horror of the scenario to truly set it. To me, there's something so powerful in it's themes of self-deprecation and self-percieved inadequacy. I think a lot of people compare themselves to others, but here we see how truly scary that concept can be when taken to it's logical conclusion. For being a horror short it sure does end up being quite reassuring.

While this movie undeniably showcases the signature surrealism we've come to expect from Yorgos Lanthimos, it might just be a bit too enigmatic for its own good. The film navigates the complex themes of identity and human relationships with a disconcerting flair but often leaves viewers grappling for solid ground. Matt Dillon's performance, though commendably intense, sometimes feels overshadowed by the movie's overindulgence in its own obscurity. The pacing, though aiming for unsettling, occasionally veers into the tedious. The visuals and score, while atmospheric, may come off as heavy-handed to those looking for a subtler narrative. Overall, this movie is a testament to Lanthimos' distinctive style, but its insistence on ambiguity may not sit well with all.