2/15/28 - Loveless (2017) - 7+/10

At the very least, this a beautifully shot film. Serene camera movements, ideal lighting to accentuate, and terrific cinematography. Indifference and slow suffering permeate the essence of this feature, but the lens with which we absorb it is crisp, defined, and smartly tailored. Now that we have discussed a pittance of its sultry visuals, let us get to the heart of it: Loveless is the most apt title of the year, as it centers on the most disconnected and least empathetic people - all of them - I have seen in a long time. There is an emotional disgust and revulsion saturates the viewing experience, leaving you drained and at a loss.

An amorphous Russian slice of life plot, as a marriage has dissolved and the pieces are falling away, leaving the innocent son of the failed couple in a disheartening purgatory which he tries to escape from. He disappears and the hate filled adults loathsomely and lackadaisicaly try to reacquire him. Their disdain for their lives and the sole love to be acknowledged and preserved (their son) is a tear stained travesty. These are the most selfish and uncaring protagonists I may have ever seen. Zero motherly or protective instincts from either parent. Even those on the outside (Police, search & rescue, new lovers) care only for themselves and display a hardened crust of dispassion and callousness. Eventually it becomes difficult to take. It is a rare feat to not want a film’s mystery to be solved, but my thought throughout their search is that it would be better for the boy if he was never found.

Emotionally this film is...severe. I adored the look and the subject matter made me grasp for meaning and explanation. Speaking to something of the modern Russian experience and relations within? A larger examination on the stripping away of a compassionate rapport between people now? Just a bitter tale of perdition and despondency? Not matter. Loveless is a harsh existence as cold and unforgiving as the Siberian wind, sublime and destructive.