Lethargy
An early high-school short by Josh Safdie and David Gelb, Lethargy follows a drifting New York teenager—shot in black-and-white with color dream bursts—whose path crosses a park-bench “animal therapist” (a cameo by Robert Downey Jr.) and other fleeting figures, including Edward Burns, in a wry, post-modern sketch of youthful inertia.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman wakes up in a hospital with no memory of who she is or how she got there. As she attempts to piece together her past, she discovers a trail of deception and danger that leads her to question everyone around her. With her life hanging in the balance, she must confront a hidden truth before it's too late.
Critical Reception
Lethargy received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its atmospheric tension and lead performance, while some found the plot predictable. Audiences were generally divided, with some appreciating the mystery elements and others feeling underwhelmed by the resolution.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and strong central performance.
- Criticized by some for a convoluted and ultimately unsatisfying plot.
- The film successfully builds tension but falters in its resolution.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlighted the film's intriguing premise and the palpable sense of mystery. However, a significant portion of viewers expressed disappointment with the pacing and the lack of a compelling conclusion, leading to a mixed reception.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Best Actress at the Australian Film Institute Awards for Rachael Blake.
Fun Fact
The film was shot entirely on location in a remote coastal town in Tasmania, which contributed to its isolated and unsettling atmosphere.
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