High Life (2018)

Director: Claire Denis
Stars: Robert Pattinson, Juliette Binoche, André Benjamin
Runtime: 113 minutes

Synopsis: A father and his daughter struggle to survive in deep space where they live in isolation.

Performances: 9/10
Screenplay: 9/10
Special Effects: 9/10
Costumes/Makeup: 8/10
Editing: 7/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10

Verdict: Ever asked yourself what a low-budget, artistic version of "Interstellar" would look like? No? Well, "High Life" answers that question regardless.

Trying to explain the film's extremely deep and complicated premise without giving away anything is a near impossible task. On the surface, it follows a group of prisoners sentenced to a dangerous space voyage to a nearby black hole. But legendary French director Claire Denis' intentions with "High Life" were of much more philosophical nature, touching on themes such as the human condition, loneliness, sexuality, and desire, all of which were delivered in a way that will require hours if not days of reflection and probably more than just the one viewing to fully comprehend. Elevated by Le Saux and Naumiuk's gorgeous cinematography, the film's script wouldn't have worked as well without the equally excellent performances by Juliette Binoche, Mia Goth, André Benjamin (or André 3000 for you rap fans), and especially Robert Pattinson, who has been lately proving himself to be one of the best actors working today.

My only issue with the movie was the nonlinear narrative it adopts. Considering the fact that a black hole is involved where famously time and space lose all meaning, I can completely see why Denis would want to tell her story in a similar way. However, I felt that it was used in an inconsistent, almost sloppy way that didn't really enhance the experience. There were also a few unnecessary, exposition-heavy flashbacks that in my opinion should've been left out the final cut as they take away from the film's subtlety by spoon feeding the audience information that was already communicated.

Nevertheless, "High Life" remains a challenging, deep journey into oblivion that will most certainly make you reflect on life and humanity. So if you're ever in the mood for an existential crisis, you now know what to watch.  

FINAL GRADE: 8.5/10