Ida

i'd say this film feels like Bergman directed it from beyond the grave, but i don't want to downplay what an absolute achievement it is by comparing it to anything else. its beauty is simply staggering. the camera never moves but the shots still retain visual interest through beautiful locations, stunning compositions, as well as the natural movement of smoke, wind, snow. handheld shots are sparse but that only elevates their significance. the use of diegetic music can be soothing at times, but also devastating. i admire the way the film deals with the aftermath of the Holocaust on future generations, and the horror and anxiety that permeates because of it. the whole dynamic between Ida's family and the people around them is so complex that i feel like i can't really analyze it without spending a lot of time formulating my thoughts. there's also a lot to unpack as far as Ida's personal arc goes. her character is so interesting. while watching the film, it feels like she is trying to figure out who she is at the same time as the viewer. and the weight of her internal conflict reaches its apex during the final shot where the instability of her emotions is expressed so well visually. perfection.