Wasteland (2020)

Directed by: Kemal Yildirim | 97 minutes | drama, romance | Actors: Natasha Linton, Kemal Yildirim, Sean Botha, Amy Ellis, Nicola Wright, Tessa McGinn, Dominic O’Flynn, Lorie-Lanie Shanks, Ian Ross, Kelsey Williams, Abbey Fitzpatrick, Summer Fitzpatrick, Monty Kazmi

Psychodrama from the perspective of the unstable Alice (Linton), who tries to find her way in adult life within a visually excellently elaborated framework. Whether she stirs food in a pan or has sex, the viewer is sucked into the maelstrom of her mind. For some viewers it will be difficult to sustain – there is little interpretation or switching back to a rational mode, which is the translation of the main character’s state of mind.

Without a doubt a conscious choice of the makers. Keeping pace (especially in the area of ​​sex scenes) and timing well is also an art, and in that respect the English ‘Wastelands’ remains in a conceptual stage. You could also argue that a psychologically unstable mind does not follow linear dramatic rules, but the maker has to make the step towards the viewer; don’t chase her or him away with overkill or fuss, is our humble opinion.

Including this imperfection, ‘Wastelands’ is an experience in itself. Acting is staged in the film, at least a high focus is required of the actors, and there too it could have been a bit better. Such a film does not require a good debut or anything of that nature, but top actors such as Timothy Spall and/or Cate Blanchett. Despite good intentions and the acting, the film goes a level of ambition too far.

‘Wastelands’ needed a top-heavy cast, that much is clear. Still possible of course. We haven’t talked much about the plot yet, but that’s not necessarily necessary. There is a duel of rapprochement and repulsion with a loved one (Yildirim) and the care of an old father (Botha) – a bit much for the viewer’s attention. At the end she has learned something about Alice’s past. What doesn’t matter so much; the film closes in its own style.