Stalker

This movie should be far more boring than it is. Most of it is just three men wandering around a decrepit area called the “Zone” having philosophical conversations. Yet, it’s actually really engaging. At first it pulls you in by introducing the mystery of the Zone. It gives you just enough information about it and the desire-granting room to pull you in and make you want to know more. Then it keeps you watching with some of the most interesting filmmaking I’ve ever seen as you watch these three men navigate the Zone itself. There are a ton of long shots with masterful camerawork, making for some super interesting sequences. Just watching these guys traverse these worn down and destroyed buildings becomes so tense and interesting to watch. As the film goes on, however, the focus becomes more about the dialogue between the characters (the awesome filmmaking doesn’t go away though, don’t worry). They begin to have discussions about the room and what it really does, and what desire really means. It leads to a conclusion that, I’ll be honest, I’m not sure if I fully understand yet, but leaves you thinking. The film is about faith, about happiness and sorrow and why we need all three. It’s honestly a surprisingly spiritual film. I look forward to future rewatches and beginning to piece together more of it as I do.