The World Knows Nothing
The World Knows Nothing

Movie spotlight

The World Knows Nothing

1988
Movie
108 min
Czech

The story takes place in the Czech-German border region in 1938. The hero Tomás Jakl marries but the marriage is not very lucky and falls apart. His German friend forced him to enter the Nazi party.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users80%
Director: Arthur PennGenres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

In a desolate New England town, a woman reeling from her husband's sudden disappearance begins to suspect the enigmatic owner of the local mill. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a web of secrets and deceit that goes far beyond her personal tragedy, forcing her to confront the darkness lurking beneath the surface of her seemingly quiet community.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The World Knows Nothing' garnered mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising Meryl Streep's powerful performance and Arthur Penn's atmospheric direction. However, some found the plot convoluted and the pacing uneven, leading to a polarized reception among audiences.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Streep's intense and nuanced portrayal of a woman on the edge.

  • Admired for its moody cinematography and suspenseful atmosphere.

  • Criticized for a confusing narrative and underdeveloped supporting characters.

Google audience: Audiences found the film to be a compelling psychological thriller, with many highlighting Meryl Streep's captivating performance as the standout element. Some viewers felt the mystery could have been resolved more clearly, but generally appreciated the suspense and atmospheric tension.

Awards & Accolades

Meryl Streep received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.

Fun Fact

The remote, isolated setting of the fictional town was crucial to the film's unsettling atmosphere, and the production team deliberately sought out a location that felt forgotten by time.

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