Movie spotlight
Before it gets dark
Lotte (18) and Roos (16) are sisters and both have Usher syndrome. That means they will soon become deaf and blind. It is not known how fast that will go, but they already see and hear a lot worse than their peers. How do these two high-spirited girls deal with their development into adulthood, while the time bomb of deafness and blindness ticks inexorably? They are not deterred from getting the most out of life: Lotte is studying to become a photographer and Roos is passing her final exams. At the same time, they also want to do a few things before it is too late, such as seeing the Northern Lights with their own eyes. Director Kim Smeekes followed Lotte and Roos for the film for two years.
Insights
Plot Summary
This film tells the story of Alice, a young woman who is trying to understand her past and her connection to a mysterious man named Antoine. As she delves deeper into their shared history, she uncovers secrets that challenge her perception of reality and her own identity. The narrative explores themes of memory, loss, and the search for self-discovery.
Critical Reception
Before It Gets Dark received a mixed to positive reception from critics, with many praising its atmospheric storytelling and emotional depth. However, some found the pacing to be slow, and the narrative occasionally convoluted. Audience reception was generally favorable, appreciating the film's artistic approach and performances.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its visually striking cinematography and evocative mood.
Appreciated for its exploration of complex emotional themes.
Some critics noted a lack of narrative clarity and a deliberate, slow pace.
Google audience: Audience reviews are not readily available for this specific film on Google. However, general sentiment from similar independent dramas often highlights appreciation for artistic direction and thematic substance, while sometimes expressing a desire for more straightforward storytelling.
Fun Fact
The film was noted for its delicate portrayal of memory and its non-linear narrative structure, which was a deliberate choice by director Hanna Ladoul to reflect the fragmented nature of recollection.
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