‘Silent Land’ (2021)- How Perfect is Perfect?

A movie review by Dilon Bhana

19 October 2022

‘Silent Land’, directed by Agnieszka Woszczynska, follows a stiff, seemingly perfect Polish couple on vacation on an Italian island. This year’s Polish entry to the European Film Festival in South Africa, is a slow burn philosophical endeavour disguised as a crime thriller.

Upon their arrival to Italy, the couple discovers that the pool where they are staying is not working. Despite being informed by the landlord of the water crisis on the island, the couple insists on the pool being fixed, almost ignorantly. This introduces a theme of privilege and heroism which is unpacked throughout the film. The landlord sends a man to fix the pool. When something happens to upset their stay the couple is forced on a journey to dissect themselves internally, as well as their marriage.

The slow-moving film, sometimes frustratingly so, as I can imagine is for the people around them, mirrors the internal process that the couple goes through when dealing with this incident. The camera is often still, and if it moves, it is slowly or subtly. The compositions are almost picture perfect, with bright colouring creating an inviting atmosphere, while still leaving the viewer not wanting to come too close.

I found the film to be an intriguing character study which showed the differences between the pair. Adam, played by Dobromir Dymecki, shows his masculinity and dominance very early on in the film. As the film progresses, we observe his relationship with his masculinity and how his wife comes to see him and to know him. There are a few loose plot points which are not resolved and feel out of place, like the presence of the military on the island. The film successfully and subtly delves into themes of migration and racism. How do we define guilt and innocence? Action and inaction? Where does society place it’s value?

If you are a fan of a slow-moving character study, with beautiful aesthetics, this film will allow you a peek inside. Maybe you will discover how guilt comes to live with you.

This film is being screened as part of the European Film Festival and can be watched with an array of other award-winning movies from 13 to 23 October either in theatre or online.
Details European Film Festival